PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Oregon Gov. Kate Brown has appointed Bev Clarno as Oregon’s secretary of state.
Clarno is a former state legislator from Redmond and has served as Speaker of the House and Senate Republican Leader.
“Bev’s career is marked by her trailblazing spirit, focus on fiscal responsibility, and a commitment to Oregonians,” Brown said in a press release. “Bev’s experience as a legislator and as a manager of a large government organization is key to the success of the programs and employees the Secretary of State oversees. I’m confident that Bev will continue the legacy of accountability and integrity that Secretary Richardson left on the office of Secretary of State.”
Brown said she was committed to choosing a Republican who promises not to seek re-election in 2020.
Brown said she wants the secretary of state to focus on overseeing the election, not on running for office. The position is the state’s second-highest office behind the governor.
“I’m honored by the confidence that Governor Brown has placed in me and pledge to be a good steward of the office. I know there is not a Republican way or a Democrat way to oversee elections—there is only a fair and honest way. There is not a Republican way or a Democrat way to audit state agencies, there is only a fair, thorough, and honest way. I will administer the key functions of this office in a way that will earn the trust and faith of all Oregonians,” Clarno said in a press release.
Clarno succeeds the late Dennis Richardson, a Republican who was elected to a four-year term in 2016. He died from brain cancer in February.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.