Secretary of State Shemia Fagan Announces Resignation
By Garrett Christensen on Wednesday, May 3rd, 2023 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
OREGON – Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan announced on May 2, 2023, that she will resign from her position effective Monday, May 8, 2023.This announcement follows the public discovery that Fagan had been contracted as an independent consultant for Veriede Holdings, LLC., which, as written by Fagen in her public cancelation of, and apology over, the contract on May 1, “is owned by my significant political donors and is regulated by an agency that was under audit by my Audits Division.”
On May 2, Secretary Fagen gave an official statement regarding her resignation and the Veriede Holdings Controversy:
“While I am confident that the ethics investigation will show that I followed the state’s legal and ethical guidelines in trying to make ends meet for my family, it is clear that my actions have become a distraction from the important and critical work of the Secretary of State’s office. Protecting our state’s democracy and ensuring faith in our elected leaders – these are the reasons I ran for this office. They are also the reasons I will be submitting my resignation today. I want to thank the incredible staff in the Secretary of State’s office for their hard work and Oregonians for the opportunity to serve them. It has been a true honor to serve the people of Oregon.
At this time, I believe it is in the best interest of our state for me to focus on my children, my family, and personal reflection so that the Secretary of State staff can continue to offer the exemplary customer service Oregonians deserve.”
Governor Tina Kotek likewise gave a statement on Fagan’s resignation on May 2:
“This morning, Secretary Fagan informed me of her decision to resign. I support this decision. It is essential that Oregonians have trust in their government. I believe this is a first step in restoring that trust. During the upcoming appointment process, my office will do everything possible to support the hard-working staff in the Secretary of State’s office and ensure this will not disrupt the May 16 election.”
Following the completion of Fagan’s duties on May 8, Deputy Secretary Charly Myers will take over as acting Secretary of State until a new Secretary is officially appointed by Governor Kotek’s Office.
