Oregon political leaders celebrate Bev Clarno’s legacy of bipartisanship on her 90th birthday

(Update: adding comments from Bev Clarno, former Oregon Governor, Director of Oregon Historical Society, and Clarno's son)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Former Oregon Secretary of State Bev Clarno celebrated a milestone birthday Sunday in Redmond, surrounded by a rare sight in today’s political climate: a room full of Democrats and Republicans sharing laughs, memories, and appreciation.

Friends, family, and political leaders from across the aisle gathered to surprise Clarno for her 90th birthday, honoring a decades-long career that helped shape Oregon politics.

Clarno, who served as a state representative, state senator, Oregon House Speaker, and Secretary of State, is widely recognized for both breaking barriers and building bipartisan relationships.

“She is a true history-making Oregonian,” said Kerry Tymchuk of the Oregon Historical Society. “Throughout a 30-plus year political career, she has made history at each and every stop — and perhaps more importantly, she’s also been one of the best in all of the jobs she’s done.”

Clarno became the first Republican woman to serve as Speaker of the Oregon House and later held leadership roles in the Senate before serving as Secretary of State. Those who worked alongside her say her leadership style stood out just as much as her accomplishments.

Former Governor Ted Kulongoski credited Clarno’s ability to bring people together.

“She is the person that actually is the calming influence and basically getting people together,” Kulongoski said. “She had a skill set that I think is sorely missed today. Because of her time in public life, she made life better. She made Oregon a better place to live.”

That emphasis on unity, those closest to her say, started long before her time in office.

Her son, Randy Hilderbrand, said her values were shaped by her Central Oregon upbringing and farming roots.

“I was always very proud of her bipartisanship,” he said. “She was down to earth from the farming background, growing up here in Central Oregon. She was one of those mothers that kind of took the community under her wings.”

Clarno said that same spirit of cooperation is something she hopes to see more of in today’s political landscape.

“It’s important that both parties work together,” Clarno said. “I’d like to see the harmony that we used to have when I served, because it serves the public better than to have this divisiveness.”

Clarno said she is grateful for her time in public service and hopes future leaders stay focused on the people they represent.

Sunday’s celebration served as both a birthday tribute and a reminder of a political legacy many say put people first.