Tobias Read

Tobias Read is a former American politician who served as a member of the Oregon House of Representatives from 2007 to 2017, representing the 27th district. A member of the Democratic Party, he later held the position of Oregon State Treasurer from 2017 to 2025. In 2025, he was elected as the 30th Oregon Secretary of State. Throughout his political career, Read has been involved in various legislative initiatives and has held leadership roles within the Oregon State Legislature.

Early life and career

Tobias Read was born on July 1, 1975, in Missoula, Montana. He spent his formative years in Boise, Idaho, before relocating to Oregon. Read pursued higher education at Willamette University, where he graduated in 1997 with a bachelor’s degree in politics and economics. During his time at Willamette, he was also a member of the university's rowing team, which contributed to his personal development and teamwork skills. It was at Willamette that he formed a lasting friendship with Dmitri Palmateer, who would later serve as his chief of staff.

After completing his undergraduate studies, Read continued his education at the University of Washington in Seattle, where he earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 2003. His early career included a position at the United States Department of the Treasury from 1999 to 2001, where he worked as an aide to Secretary Lawrence Summers, with Sheryl Sandberg as his immediate supervisor. Following his tenure at the Treasury, Read returned to Oregon, initially working for a startup called SkyTaxi for a brief period. He then joined Nike as a footwear developer, a role he held from 2004 until 2012. In 2012, Read decided to transition to a full-time political career, marking the beginning of his legislative journey.

Legislative service

Tobias Read served in the Oregon House of Representatives from 2007 to 2017, representing the 27th district, which includes parts of Beaverton, southwest Portland, and unincorporated areas of Multnomah and Washington Counties. During his time in the legislature, Read was recognized for his commitment to various educational and economic initiatives. He was a strong advocate for fully funding Oregon's full-day kindergarten program, emphasizing the importance of early childhood education in the state.

In addition to his focus on education, Read supported state investments in green technology jobs and research, contributing to Oregon's reputation as a leader in sustainability and innovation. He worked diligently to stabilize state funding and enhance the state's Rainy Day funds, which are designed to provide financial security during economic downturns. Furthermore, Read sponsored legislation aimed at redirecting unclaimed funds from class action lawsuits to provide legal assistance for low-income Oregonians, ensuring that these resources benefited those in need rather than returning to the original corporate wrongdoers.

Throughout his legislative career, Read sought to expand savings options for Oregonians, particularly through the state's college savings program. He sponsored legislation to create additional retirement savings options, reflecting his commitment to improving financial security for residents. His leadership roles included serving as the House Majority Whip and being elected as Speaker Pro Tempore in 2015. He also chaired the House Committee on Transportation and Economic Development, as well as the House Committee on Higher Education, Innovation, and Workforce Development. Additionally, Read was a member of the House Revenue Committee and the Joint Committee on Ways and Means, which is responsible for drafting the state budget.

Policy focus and district

During his tenure in the Oregon House, Read's policy focus encompassed a range of issues, with a particular emphasis on education, economic development, and financial security for Oregonians. His advocacy for fully funding full-day kindergarten highlighted his belief in the importance of early education as a foundation for future academic success. He actively supported initiatives aimed at fostering green technology jobs, recognizing the potential for economic growth in sustainable industries.

Read's legislative efforts also included a significant focus on financial security for residents. He played a key role in the establishment of the Oregon Retirement Savings Board, which was responsible for creating a state-run retirement savings program known as OregonSaves. This initiative aimed to enhance retirement security for Oregonians, and in recognition of its success, Read and OregonSaves received the Excellence & Innovation Award from finance industry publications in 2018.

In 2017, Read voted on a controversial proposal to sell 82,500 acres of the Elliott State Forest to a timber company, which would have generated revenue for the state's education fund. However, following opposition from environmentalists and fellow Democrats, he withdrew his support for the sale. Later in his tenure, he proposed the creation of the Elliott State Research Forest, an innovative approach to preserve the forest while addressing climate change concerns.

As State Treasurer, Read continued to focus on financial security, overseeing the Oregon College Savings Plan and working to expand savings options for residents. His leadership in the Oregon State Legislature and as State Treasurer laid the groundwork for his subsequent candidacy for Secretary of State, a position he announced in 2023 following the resignation of his predecessor due to an ethics violation. Read's political journey reflects a commitment to public service and a focus on policies that aim to improve the lives of Oregonians.