Oregon Rises Above Hate Remarks

May 2, 2026 

Good morning and thank you for having me! Before I read the official proclamation for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, I want to offer a few words about this moment and what it means to be with you.  

I believe love is stronger than hate. I believe our government should bring us together – not divide us. Right now, our federal government is failing us by unlawfully working to divide us. ICE is targeting many communities across our country, including our Asian communities. Families are living in fear. People are being terrorized for who they are and where they come from. No one should live in fear or have to prove who they are and that they belong. 

Oregon is committed to our strong sanctuary state laws. Our immigrant communities are Oregon communities, and we will not abandon them. 

And for those in D.C. who think they can bully Oregon into abandoning our values and turning our backs on our neighbors: You. Are. Wrong. 

But today isn’t just about standing against hate – it's about rising above it. Finding hope, joy, and community that gives us strength to stand against hate. 

What gives me hope is seeing Oregon communities rise to the occasion. It’s neighbors organizing and checking in on each other. It’s businesses stepping up to ensure their communities have food and support. It’s faith communities opening their doors. It’s everyday Oregonians refusing to look away when their neighbor needs help.  

Oregon is a state that doesn’t just talk about values – we live them. We protect our neighbors. We rise above hate with love, action, and solidarity.  

That’s who we are. That's who we’ve always been. And that’s who we’ll continue to be, together.