Statement on the passing of Peter Courtney

The Oregon Republican Party grieves with our fellow Oregonians and with the family, friends, and colleagues of longtime Senate President Peter Courtney at his passing today at the age of 81. Courtney's twenty years as Senate President and eighteen years in the legislature made him the longest serving politician in Oregon legislative history.

Courtney mourned the loss of civility in politics and in society. He understood that preserving it is hard labor. In an interview with KGW in 2021, Courtney said, "I think a melting pot is a great thought and a great idea. And our country can't survive without it. I'm going to tell you that right here and now, but I just don't know how much of it, how many of us really wanted to understand what it takes to do that and how hard of work it requires."

Oregon Republican Party calls on all Oregonians to honor the legacy of Peter Courtney by giving up anger and hostility and turning instead to respectful listening and sincere attempts to understand, even when we disagree. As Peter Courtney said, "Let us be civil to one another. Let us debate with respect and listen with open hearts."