Barbara Roberts facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Barbara Roberts
34th Governor of Oregon
In office January 14, 1991 – January 9, 1995
Preceded by	Neil Goldschmidt
Succeeded by	John Kitzhaber
21st Secretary of State of Oregon
In office January 7, 1985 – January 14, 1991
Governor	Victor Atiyeh Neil Goldschmidt
Preceded by	Norma Paulus
Succeeded by	Phil Keisling
Member of the Oregon House of Representatives from the 17th district
In office January 12, 1981 – January 7, 1985
Preceded by	George Starr
Succeeded by	Mike Burton
Personal details
Born	Barbara Kay Hughey (1936-12-21) December 21, 1936 (age 88) Corvallis, Oregon, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouses	Neal Sanders ​ ​ (m. 1954; div. 1972)​ Frank L. Roberts ​ ​ (m. 1974; died 1993)​
Relations	Robert M.Sanders Kaitlin R. Sanders
Children	2
Education	Portland State University (BA)
Other office(s) 1983–1984: Majority Leader of the Oregon House of Representatives

Barbara Kay Roberts, born on December 21, 1936, is an American politician from Oregon. She made history as the 34th Governor of Oregon, serving from 1991 to 1995. She was the first woman ever elected to be Oregon's governor. She was also the first woman to lead the Oregon House of Representatives as Majority Leader. Before becoming governor, Roberts served two terms as Oregon Secretary of State. She also worked in local government in Portland.

Early Life and Advocacy

Barbara Kay Hughey was born in Corvallis, Oregon, on December 21, 1936. Her family moved to California for a few years, then returned to Oregon. They settled in Sheridan, Oregon.

In 1954, she married her high-school sweetheart, Neal Sanders. She graduated from Sheridan High School in 1955. The couple moved to Texas and had two sons, Mike and Mark. Later, they moved back to Oregon and lived in Portland. Barbara attended Portland State University from 1961 to 1964.

Her older son, Mike, was diagnosed with a special need in 1962. This inspired Barbara to become a strong supporter for children with special needs. In 1971, she successfully worked with the Oregon State Legislature. She helped pass a law that made sure public schools provided education for these children.

Political Career Begins

Barbara Roberts started her political journey in 1973. She was elected to the Parkrose School Board. Later, she joined the Mount Hood Community College board. In 1974, she married Frank L. Roberts, who was an Oregon state representative. He became an important guide in her political life.

In 1980, she was elected to the Oregon House of Representatives. She was re-elected in 1982. Her fellow Democrats chose her to be the House Majority Leader. This was a big step, as she was the first woman to hold this important position in Oregon.

Serving as Secretary of State

In 1984, Roberts was elected as Oregon Secretary of State. She was the first Democrat to win this role in over 100 years. She was re-elected for a second term in 1988. As Secretary of State, she worked on important changes to election laws. She also helped build a new state archives building. She expanded the Secretary of State's power to check how state money was being used.

Becoming Governor of Oregon

In 1990, Governor Neil Goldschmidt decided not to run for re-election. Barbara Roberts, who was halfway through her second term as Secretary of State, decided to run for governor. She won the Democratic primary election without any opponents. Then, in the November general election, she defeated Republican David B. Frohnmayer.

Barbara Roberts became the first woman elected Governor of Oregon. This was a historic moment for the state. During her time as governor, voters also passed Ballot Measure 5. This measure set limits on property tax rates.

As governor, Roberts worked with the Clinton administration. She helped get federal support for the Oregon Health Plan. She also worked to increase the number of children in the Head Start Program. She helped create more affordable housing. Her administration also developed programs to help people move from welfare to jobs.

Her husband, Frank L. Roberts, passed away in 1993 while she was governor. This was a very difficult time for her. This loss was a main reason why she decided not to seek re-election in 1994.

Life After Being Governor

After leaving office, Barbara Roberts continued to be active. She worked at the Harvard Kennedy School at Harvard University. She directed a program for state and local government leaders. Later, she became a senior fellow there. In 1998, she joined Portland State University's Hatfield School of Government.

Roberts has continued to serve her community. She has been on the boards of several important non-profit groups. She also gives speeches about leadership and women in politics. Roberts has two sons, Mike and Mark, and two grandchildren.

Roberts High School in Salem, Oregon, was named after her in 1996.

Roberts with Terry Bean in 2014

Return to Public Service

In 2011, Barbara Roberts returned to government work. She became a member of the Metro council. Metro is the elected regional government for the Portland metropolitan area. She was appointed to fill a vacant spot on the council. She served on the council until January 2013.

See also

• List of female governors in the United States
• List of female secretaries of state in the United States