“Governor Kotek stood with us when we fought for reasonable raises and safer workplaces. She is a proven leader on investing in Oregon’s workforce and shares our goal of making the State a first-class employer.” Charlie Peirson Oregon AFSCME, Second Vice President and PAC Chair Here are just a few more reasons why we endorse Gov. Kotek: - Governor Kotek supported the largest raises for State workers in forty years. In 2023 Gov. Kotek supported the largest wage increases of 13% for state workers, and a $1,500 COLA bonus. She held steadfast in 2025 for another wage increase, even in the face of federal budget cuts. - Governor Kotek has a commitment for worker safety. In 2024 after an AFSCME member was murdered on the job, Gov. Kotek answered our call for significant improvements to safety. She also joined the efforts to improve behavioral health jobs by boosting pay, offering support benefits like housing and child care, and working to reduce staffing shortages through retention incentives recruitment. She is a champion of safe staffing for health care workers and of workers injured on the job after we lost a road crew member in Benton County. - Governor Kotek has supported unions and organizing new workers: Throughout her legislative career and time as Governor, Gov. Kotek has supported legislation to empower unions and working people. In 2025, against deep opposition from employers, she signed the bill to let striking workers collect unemployment insurance.

Denise Krause is a single mom, small business owner, and a former professor with a PhD in Preventive Medicine. Backed by 25 years of experience in population health, she is dedicated to fighting for access to healthcare for working families and rural communities in the Capitol. Krause is committed to lowering the cost of living by passing policies that control prices, boost wages, and fund affordable housing.

Virginia is a proven coalition builder who brings boundless energy and determination to the task of protecting workers. During her time as a Salem city counselor, Virginia advocated for an increase in the supply for housing. She is a persistent leader who has worked with unions to advocate for worker rights and stand up to greedy billionaires.