Oregon — Following criticism for remaining silent on Lebanon High School’s bid in T-Mobile’s nationwide Friday Night 5G Lights competition, Governor Tina Kotek has reversed course, posting a video statement on social media voicing her support for the school. “They are vying for the top spot” “join me in voting for the home team, go Lebanon” she said in the clip posted below.
The message marks a notable shift from the recent response from her staff, when Kotek’s office declined requests to promote the competition, citing restrictions on using official state channels for fundraising. The initial refusal drew backlash from Lebanon residents and rural Oregonians, who argued the governor was missing an opportunity to back a community effort that had no partisan edge.
The Lebanon Warriors recently drew support from famed Trail Blazers player Damian Lillard who posted a call to support the school on his Instagram account.
PDX Real was among the first to report on the controversy, noting that “students at Lebanon High contacted Oregon governor Tina Kotek, hoping she would return Huckabee-Sanders’ challenge,” but were initially turned away by staff in the Governor’s office.
The reversal came after days of social media criticism and growing media coverage highlighting the contrast with Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who publicly encouraged voters to support her state’s finalist, Dierks High School. Sanders’ post helped Dierks gain national attention in the contest, which awards a $1 million stadium upgrade to one winning high school.
It is unclear how locals will respond to this delayed turn from the Governor, though the school has very gratefully accepted all the support it has received from figures and outlets around the state.
Voting for the Friday Night 5G Lights competition remains open through October 24 here: https://www.t-mobile.com/brand/friday-night-5g-lights/h
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