Get to Know Peter

Senate President Peter Courtney is the most veteran member of the Oregon Legislature. Currently serving his second term as Senate President, Courtney in 2003 helped negotiate an historic power-sharing agreement between the 15 Democrats and 15 Republicans in the state Senate that year. Courtney has served in the Oregon Senate for two terms, was the House minority leader for four terms and was a state representative for seven terms. He represents Senate District 11, which includes portions of Salem, Gervais and Woodburn.

Courtney began his career in public service in 1974 as a member of the Salem City Council, where he served until 1980. He also was a member of the Salem Area Mass Transit Board.

An active member of his community, Courtney serves on the Salem YMCA board, served on the Salem United Way board and coached basketball for the Salem Boys and Girls Club. At Western Oregon University in Monmouth, Courtney is a long-time instructor and administrator and also announces the school’s men’s and women’s basketball games. Courtney has run the Hood-to-Coast relay race 12 times, most recently in August 2005.

Born June 18, 1943, in Philadelphia, Courtney was raised in Virginia, West Virginia and Rhode Island. He received a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Rhode Island and a law degree from Boston University. He is a member of the Oregon State Bar.
They live in Salem and have three sons—Peter, Sean and Adam—and a miniature dachshund named Yoda.

Paid for and authorized by Peter Courtney for State Senate
2925 Island View Drive North
Salem, Oregon 97303
campaign@petercourtney.org