Peter Courtney, a Democrat in his 38th year as a lawmaker, informed colleagues he would not seek re-election this year.
“I am not going to be running again for the Legislature,” Courtney said in a text message, obtained by OPB, to fellow senators. “I will serve out the remainder of my term. It has been an honor and a privilege to have been allowed to serve locally on the Salem City Council and for all these years in the Oregon State Legislature.
“I hope I’ve helped.”
Born June 18, 1943, in Philadelphia, Courtney was raised in Virginia, West Virginia, and Rhode Island. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Rhode Island. He received a law degree from Boston University and is a member of the Oregon State Bar.
Courtney is the longest-serving legislator in Oregon’s history. He is currently serving his 38th year in the Oregon State Legislature. Courtney was first elected to the Oregon Senate in 1999, representing portions of Salem, Gervais, and Woodburn. He previously served seven terms in the Oregon House of Representatives, including four terms as House Democratic Leader.
Courtney has been an outspoken leader in the state’s efforts to prepare for a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. Most notably, he led the creation of the Seismic Rehabilitation Grant Program which provides funds to make schools and emergency services.
