Kim Thatcher

Lona Kim Thatcher is an American politician currently serving as a member of the Oregon State Senate, representing the 11th district. A member of the Republican Party, she has been active in Oregon politics for several years, having previously held positions in both the Oregon House of Representatives and the Oregon Senate. Born in 1964, Thatcher has a background in business and has been involved in various legislative initiatives throughout her political career.

Early life and career

Kim Thatcher was born on October 30, 1964, in Pocatello, Idaho. She later moved to Oregon, where she attended Portland State University. Before entering politics, Thatcher was the owner of a highway construction firm known as KT Contracting. This experience in the private sector influenced her perspective on government operations, particularly her criticisms of the Oregon Department of Transportation. Her business background provided her with insights into the challenges faced by contractors and the complexities of state regulations.

Thatcher's political career began when she was elected to the Oregon House of Representatives in 2004, representing the 25th district, which includes the Keizer area. During her tenure in the House, she was known for her active involvement in various legislative matters. In 2005, she sponsored a bill aimed at limiting public access to information regarding concealed handgun licenses, marking one of her early legislative initiatives. Over the years, she was reelected multiple times, demonstrating her continued support within her district.

In 2014, Thatcher made the decision to run for a seat in the Oregon Senate, which was being vacated by the retiring Larry George. This move marked a significant transition in her political career, as she sought to expand her influence and legislative capabilities at a higher level of government. During her campaign for the Senate, she received endorsements, including one from The Oregonian, although this endorsement was later rescinded due to emerging controversies related to her business practices.

Legislative service

Thatcher officially began her service in the Oregon Senate in 2023, representing the 11th district. Prior to this role, she served in the Oregon House of Representatives from 2005 to 2015 and represented the 13th district in the Senate from 2015 to 2023. Throughout her legislative career, she has participated in various committees and has been involved in significant legislative initiatives.

During the 79th Oregon Legislative Assembly, Thatcher was a member of the Transparency Advisory Commission and served on the General Government and Accountability Committee. In the current 81st Oregon Legislative Assembly, she is a member of the Judiciary Committee. Her involvement in these committees reflects her focus on issues related to transparency and governance.

Thatcher has been a proponent of legislation aimed at enhancing government transparency. In 2009, she was one of the cosponsors of a bill that established Oregon's first transparency website, which received unanimous support in the Senate and was signed into law. She continued to advocate for transparency in government operations, sponsoring additional legislation in subsequent years that expanded the website's scope to include economic development tax incentives and other public records.

In addition to her work on transparency, Thatcher has introduced legislation addressing public safety and education. In 2017, she proposed a bill that would require public universities and community colleges in Oregon to expel students convicted of rioting, reflecting her stance on maintaining order in educational institutions. This was not the first time she introduced such legislation, as she had previously done so in 2011.

Thatcher's political activities have also included participation in significant events, such as the 2019 Oregon Senate Republican walkouts, which were organized in response to legislative actions that the Republican caucus opposed. Her involvement in these walkouts highlights her commitment to her party's positions and her willingness to take a stand on contentious issues.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the Oregon State Senate, Thatcher's policy focus has included government transparency, public safety, and education. Her legislative initiatives often reflect her belief in the importance of accountability in government and the need for clear communication between the state and its citizens. Her work on the transparency website is a notable example of her commitment to making government operations more accessible to the public.

Thatcher represents the 11th district, which encompasses parts of Marion County, including the city of Keizer. This area has a diverse population, and her policies are often aimed at addressing the specific needs and concerns of her constituents. Throughout her career, she has engaged with local communities to understand their priorities and to advocate for legislation that aligns with their interests.

In addition to her legislative responsibilities, Thatcher has been involved in various political activities beyond the state legislature. She was a delegate to the 2016 Republican National Convention, where she supported Donald Trump for the presidential nomination. Her political affiliations and actions have sometimes sparked controversy, particularly regarding her views on the 2020 presidential election and subsequent calls for audits of election results.

Thatcher's electoral history includes a campaign for the office of Oregon Secretary of State in 2020, where she was the Republican nominee but ultimately lost to her Democratic opponent. Her political journey has been marked by both successes and challenges, and she continues to navigate the complexities of state politics as she serves her constituents in the Oregon State Senate.

In summary, Kim Thatcher's career in Oregon politics has been characterized by her focus on transparency, public safety, and her engagement with local communities. As she continues her service in the Oregon State Senate, her legislative actions and policy initiatives will likely reflect the evolving needs of her district and the broader political landscape in Oregon.