Keizer lawmaker becomes the first Republican to enter secretary of state race
By CLAIRE WITHYCOMBE and SAM STITES Oregon Capital Bureau Feb 6, 2020 Updated Feb 6, 2020
SALEM — Sen. Kim Thatcher, R-Keizer, announced during a massive Timber Unity rally at the Capitol Thursday that she is running for secretary of state.
Thatcher, who served in the House, has been in the Senate since 2015. She is the first Republican to announce a run for the office.
Secretary of State Bev Clarno, the Republican incumbent, isn’t running for the office. She was appointed by Gov. Kate Brown to replace Dennis Richardson, who died last year. Richardson was the first Republican to win a statewide office since 2002.
“I want to focus on what Dennis Richardson focused on when he became secretary of state,” Thatcher said. “He did a lot to make sure we have fair elections, make sure we have access for everyone to the ballot initiative and referendum process, and to not use the Corporations Division to punish businesses, but help them succeed. Those are going to be my focus.”