Kathleen Taylor (politician)

Kathleen Taylor (born 1966/67) is an American politician from Oregon. A Democrat, she was first elected to the Oregon House of Representatives in 2014 and to the Oregon State Senate in 2016. She represents Senate district 21, which covers part of southeast Portland and its suburbs, including Milwaukie. In 2024 Taylor was elected Senate Majority Leader. She lives in Portland.

Professional experience
Taylor is an auditor by trade. She has worked as an auditor for the city of Portland, Multnomah County, and the state of Oregon. She holds a master's degree in public policy from Rutgers University in New Jersey.

Political career
Taylor was first elected after defeating former Milwaukie city councilor Deborah Barnes in the Democratic primary election on May 20, 2014. She was endorsed by outgoing Representative Carolyn Tomei and Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber in her race against Barnes.

Taylor was elected Senate Majority Leader in a Democratic caucus meeting on June 17, 2024. She assumed office on July 15.