Oregon state Sen. Jackie Winters dies at 82

SALEM, Ore. (AP) – Veteran Republican state Sen. Jackie Winters has died, according to House Speaker Tina Kotek. She was 82.

Kotek made the announcement on the floor of the House on Wednesday and called for a minute of silence.

Winters, who was re-elected in the 2016 election to represent the Salem area, had been ill with cancer and had been absent from the Legislature for some time.

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Statement from Gov. Kate Brown:

“Senator Jackie Winters has been a bastion of integrity, justice, and common sense in the Oregon Legislature since she first took her seat in 1999. Her commitment to service knew no bounds. It shone through in every project she took on and every issue she tackled. I feel lucky to have had the privilege to call her my friend as well as my colleague for so many years.”

“I will always remember her courage in moving forward on Senate Bill 1008 just this session. Her legacy will live on through her family and in her community through the legislation she spearheaded to improve the lives of all Oregonians.”

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Statement from House Speaker Tina Kotek:

“Senator Jackie Winters was a trail blazer, a truly inspiring figure in the history of Oregon politics. Senator Winters believed, to her core, in justice and fairness. I am saddened by her passing but am deeply grateful that she lived to see the passage of youth justice reform last week.”

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Statement from Secretary of State Bev Clarno:

“Oregon has lost a true giant today, and our hearts are heavy. I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Jackie for over 20 years, and she was always a steadfast champion for children, for families, and for justice. She was always so proud of her work with Governor Vic Atiyeh as his Ombudsman, and carried the lessons she learned there throughout her career. She was the epitome of working with all and a master of bipartisanship! She will be missed by all who serve here in the Capitol, her community, and her family. She was a true and dedicated public servant, and Oregon is better because she dedicated her life to public service.”

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Statement from House Republican leader Rep. Carl Wilson:

“We are saddened at the passing of Sen. Jackie Winters, a true pioneer, stateswoman and valiant leader. For many years, Sen. Winters embodied the spirit of Oregon, overcoming obstacles, setting a course for others to follow and bridging divides. Oregon has lost a truly great legislator and remarkable woman.”

She became the first African-American Republican elected to the Oregon House in 1998 and was elected to the Senate in 2002, where she subsequently rose to leadership of the Senate Republican Caucus.

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Statement from House Majority Leader Jennifer Williamson:

“I am heartbroken. Jackie Winters was a true original – an extraordinary public servant whose life’s work has made Oregon a better place. She was a fierce fighter for truth, justice and fairness.

“I was not only fortunate to call her a friend, but fortunate to have her as a partner in the charge for a more just criminal justice system. I am not quite sure what we will do without her.

“I send my deepest condolences to her family and all those who were fortunate to know and love her. This is a sad day for Oregon.”

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Statement from state Sen. Tim Knopp, R-Bend:

“Senator Winters was the epitome of a public servant. In her twenty years as a legislator, Senator Winters was known for her faith, courage, patriotism, and dedication to her constituents. The legacy of service she leaves behind her will better our State for generations to come,” Knopp said. “I will deeply miss my friend.”

“My prayers are with the Winters family, her friends and constituents as we all mourn her loss.”

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Statement from Senat Majority Leader Ginny Burdick, D-Portland:

“Jackie Winters is a true Oregon legend. She always let principle stand ahead of partisan politics. She advocated passionately for her fellow Oregonians, especially the disenfranchised and disadvantaged among us. I was her friend and admirer long before either of us served in the Senate. I will miss her. Oregon is better because of Senator Jackie Winters.”