Oregon's new Secretary of State will be Jeanne Atkins, a long-time political staffer who's never held elected office. Governor Kate Brown made the announcement Friday.
Atkins is a Democrat who most recently worked for US Senator Jeff Merkley. Her career includes several roles at the Oregon legislature dating back to the early 90's. Atkins was appointed Secretary of State to replace Kate Brown. Brown became Governor last month when John Kitzhaber resigned amid a criminal ethics investigation.
Atkins will take the oath of office Wednesday. She'll serve the remainder of Kate Brown's term and will have the option of running for a full four-year term during next year's election.
As an appointee, Atkins won't be first in line of succession to be governor. That distinction now falls to Oregon Treasurer Ted Wheeler until the next election.