Salem, OR. – Official Release: Today, Senate President Rob Wagner (D-Lake Oswego) and House Speaker Julie Fahey (D-Eugene) announced that the new Capitol joint legislator lounge will be dedicated in honor of former Senate President Peter Courtney. Courtney is the longest-serving legislator in Oregon history, having served a total of 38 years in the Legislature: 14 in the House of Representatives and 24 in the Senate.
He served as Senate President for 20 years, the longest tenure in state history. Legislatively he was known for his dedication to helping animals, people with mental illnesses, and children. He led the Senate through many historic moments during his time as presiding officer and prioritized building relationships with everyone in the Capitol. He died in July 2024 at the age of 81. “Peter was a force of nature, committed to doing the people’s work. But he also looked for quiet moments to help young legislators and staffers find their way in the Capitol,” President Wagner said.
“There’s not a person in Oregon legislative history who cared about people more than Peter Courtney, so it only makes sense that his name should be at the door.” The joint lounge is still under construction due to the ongoing Capitol Accessibility, Maintenance, and Safety Project (CAMS). It and the rest of the 1938 portion of the Capitol is scheduled to reopen in the fall.
“The joint lounge will serve as a space where lawmakers from both chambers and both parties can come together to build relationships that make hard policy conversations easier,” Speaker Fahey said. “We are all looking forward to having a place to gather, connect with one another, and get to know more about the perspectives of each other’s districts and constituents.”
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