State Treasurer Tobias Read on Protecting Democracy

An Honorable Profession

In today's episode, NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with Oregon State Treasurer and Democratic nominee for Secretary of State Tobias Read. Read, who joined NewDEAL as a state representative in 2011, has become a national leader on championing solutions to make college, retirement, and everyday life more affordable. He talks about his decision to run for Secretary of State with the office’s focus on running elections and holding the state government accountable. The conversation also delves into what's at stake in this year's elections, touching on his experience running against an election denier, Oregon's ballot initiative on ranked-choice voting, and the pivotal race in the 5th Congressional District, featuring fellow NewDEALer Janelle Bynum. In addition, Read shares his strategies for energizing voters about down-ballot races and highlights Oregon's leadership role as the first state in the country to move to mail-in elections. Tune in to learn what inspires State Treasurer Read to serve his state.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [01:04] Oregon State Treasurer Tobias Read: An introduction to his career focus.

• [02:35] His experience running for Secretary of State in Oregon and what he hopes to bring to the role.

• [05:03] What he is focused on as a candidate running against an election denier.

• [09:15] How Oregon is ensuring that everyone who is eligible to vote is registered.

• [13:01] The financial and performance auditing power of Oregon State’s legislature.

• [14:53] Restoring people’s faith in government by prioritizing transparency and agility.

• [18:26] State Treasurer Read’s motivation to succeed at democratic leadership in Oregon.

• [19:33] His action plan should he be elected into the role of Secretary and insights into the Albina race.

• [22:00] Why it is too early to determine any information from the ongoing election.

• [23:29] Treasurer Read’s thoughts on the implementation of rank-choice voting in Oregon.

• [26:59] His original motivations to enter public service and how he has built his experience.