Dennis Richardson

​Oregon Secretary of State

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​​​Dennis Michael Richardson is Oregon’s 26th Secretary of State.​

Born July 30, 1949, Dennis grew up with the core belief we all have an obligation to serve our community and be a voice for those who can’t speak for themselves.

As a young man Dennis deployed to Vietnam as a combat helicopter pilot in the Army. His service engrained the values of courage, commitment, and leadership for a lifetime. After his military service, Dennis married his wife Cathy and attained a Bachelor’s of Arts and law degree from Brigham Young University before settling in Central Point, Oregon.

Married 44 years, Dennis and Cathy are parents to nine children and Dennis volunteers his time serving on the Board of ACCESS, the Community Action Agency of Jackson County.

Secretary Richardson practiced law for three decades and first held public office on the Central Point city council in 2000. He then served six terms in the State Legislature from 2003-2015, rising to a co-chair position on the Joint Ways & Means Committee, where he successfully led the state out of a $3.5 billion budget deficit without raising taxes. That biennium concluded with the largest ending-fund balance in state history.

Secretary Richardson is applying his experience, knowledge and leadership to help restore accountability, transparency and integrity to government. Dennis commits his nonpartisan leadership to bring increased scrutiny of public spending and access to public records, open, fair elections and a business-friendly climate that grows good jobs in Oregon. ​​​

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