Kotek Appoints LaVonne Griffin-Valade as Oregon's New Secretary of State

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has appointed LaVonne Griffin-Valade, a former elected auditor for the city of Portland, as the new Secretary of State, replacing Shemia Fagan. Fagan resigned after it was revealed she had taken a consulting contract with a cannabis company while shaping a state audit of cannabis regulation. Griffin-Valade, known for her work as an auditor and her criticism of the Portland Police Bureau, will be sworn in on Friday. The appointment aims to restore confidence and prioritize accountability and transparency in the office.