Karen Minnis

Karen Minnis (born July 1954) is an Oregon Republican politician in United States. She was a member of the Oregon House of Representatives from 1998 to 2009, and served as Speaker of the House from 2003 to 2007.

Early life Born and raised in Portland, Minnis is a graduate of James Monroe High School in Portland and attended Clark Community College in Vancouver, Washington. She married her high school sweetheart, John Minnis, in 1972, with whom she has three children: two married sons and a daughter. They also have three grandsons and one granddaughter.

While a housewife, Minnis held jobs as a dental assistant, a waitress, and delivering newspapers, putting John through college. John first told Minnis he wanted to run for office when she was pregnant with their third child. She then worked as his legislative aide for a decade, an experience she credited with providing a valuable education in politics. In the 2006 election, Democrats took control of the House. After the election, Minnis stated she would not seek any leadership positions, but would instead focus on representing her district.

On the last day of the 2007 legislative session, Minnis announced that she would not seek re-election. She was succeeded in District 49 by Democrat Nick Kahl, who won a closely contested election in November 2008; Democrat Jeff Merkley succeeded her as House Speaker.

Electoral history