Governor Kotek Prepares Oregon for Federal Challenges with Key Initiatives

BEAVERTON — Oregon has bolstered its emergency stockpile of mifepristone, a key abortion medication, Governor Tina Kotek announced on Monday. However, much of the state’s strategy for responding to a potential second Trump administration remains undecided.

While Democratic governors in other states, like California’s Gavin Newsom and Illinois’ J.B. Pritzker, have outlined detailed plans, Kotek has kept a lower profile since the election. Monday’s announcement, made after a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a homeless shelter in Beaverton, marked her first engagement with reporters since Election Day.

“My priority is to protect our values and focus on what Oregon needs,” Kotek said. “We will address national challenges, but I’m confident we can safeguard what’s important to us here in Oregon.”

Unlike Newsom, who has called a special session to prepare for Trump’s potential policies, Kotek sees no need for a similar measure. Oregon’s Legislature begins its regular session in January, before Trump would assume office. Kotek emphasized collaboration with other governors, particularly women leaders, while keeping her focus on state-level priorities like housing reforms and funding for shelters.

Strengthening Protections in Key Areas

Kotek highlighted ongoing efforts to assess Oregon’s laws in areas like environmental policy, reproductive healthcare, and immigration to ensure they remain strong against potential federal challenges. However, she noted that concrete actions depend on the specifics of Trump’s proposals.

On immigration, Kotek reaffirmed Oregon’s commitment to protecting its immigrant communities, including the state’s estimated 120,000 undocumented residents. Oregon has a robust sanctuary law that limits local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

We’ve always stood up for all Oregonians, including immigrants, Kotek said. We’re working to identify what more we need to do, but the details are still unfolding.

Expanding Access to Reproductive Healthcare

Kotek announced the extension of Oregon’s mifepristone supply. The state had previously secured a three-year stockpile in April 2023, set to expire in September 2025. The newly acquired supply, obtained by the Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Health & Science University, will last until September 2028. The drug, often used with misoprostol, is essential for terminating pregnancies and managing miscarriages.

In addition, Kotek is working to ensure that Oregon receives federal transportation funding awarded before Trump’s potential inauguration in January.

We don’t know exactly what’s coming, but we’re preparing to protect what matters most to Oregonians, Kotek concluded.