Patrick Kopke-Hales

Patrick Kopke-Hales was born in Portland, Oregon. Kopke-Hales' career experience includes counseling, logistics, information technology, and construction. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1988 to 1996. Kopke-Hales earned an associate degree from Central Oregon Community College in 2023.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a proud U.S. Military Veteran, having served my country with distinction, honor, integrity, loyalty, and honesty—earning an honorable discharge. Born in Portland, with Oregon soil in my veins, I understand what makes this state thrive—its urban centers, rural heartlands, and every community along its borders. I have witnessed firsthand what has failed Oregonians, and I know what has worked.

I graduated with high honors from Central Oregon Community College in Bend, earning a degree in Human Services, consistently making the Dean’s List and finishing at the top of my class. I later became a certified traditional health care counselor. Beyond my career, I continue to serve as a volunteer counselor to veterans, first responders, and the community, as well as a volunteer firefighter in my rural hometown.

Over the years, I have also worked in developing and strengthening industries such as logistics, information technology, and construction. These experiences give me a broad perspective on Oregon’s workforce, economy, and infrastructure needs.

Combined with my military service, where I was trained in leadership and resilience, these experiences have prepared me to guide and unite Oregonians across political divides by connecting to our shared humanity. With years of service, wisdom, and problem-solving ability, I am committed to making Oregon the true gem of the West—welcoming to families, thriving for businesses, and rooted in values that bring people together.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I have dedicated my life to service—whether in uniform, as a counselor, or as a volunteer firefighter. My commitment is to serve Oregonians with the same honor, integrity, and loyalty that I gave to my country.Oregon’s strength lies in our shared humanity. I will bring people together—urban and rural, left and right—by focusing on what unites us rather than what divides us.With experience in the military, human services, and industries like logistics, technology, and construction, I know how to solve problems and grow opportunities. Together, we can make Oregon the true gem of the West—welcoming to families and thriving for businesses.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

There are many areas such as education, transportation, economics, communication and many others areas, but my number one priority from have many lived experiences is to listen and learn from those who have experienced many of the things I have through compassion and understanding, and to be able to help them like I wasn't.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Charlie Kirk... I know some people will disagree with me, but as someone who didn't have good role models, he is someone I still look up to.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Integrity – Doing what is right, even when no one is watching.

Courage – Facing fear, danger, or hardship with resolve.

Honor – Living by principles that earn respect and trust.

Loyalty – Standing firm in commitment to people and values.

Humility – Recognizing limits and valuing others above self.

Compassion – Showing empathy and care for others’ struggles.

Wisdom – Applying knowledge and experience with good judgment.

Justice – Upholding fairness and giving each their due.

Perseverance – Remaining steadfast through trials and obstacles.

Service – Putting the needs of others and community first.

These are important for building trust, cooperation and collaboration, and community building through partnerships that help to get things done. If we can build these things together, then we restore faith in the system where voices feel silenced.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Accountability is the foundation of trust between leaders and the people. True accountability means keeping our feet to the fire—not avoiding scrutiny, not hiding mistakes, but openly facing the consequences of our actions. When leaders are not answerable, society fractures, cynicism grows, and faith in institutions erodes.

Leadership requires humility—recognizing that no one has all the answers, mistakes are inevitable, and admitting them is a strength. What defines us is not perfection, but how we respond: owning errors, learning, and moving forward with greater wisdom and resolve.

Built-in transparency ensures people can see how decisions are made, how resources are allocated, and whether promises are kept. Transparency transforms accountability from a principle into action, empowering citizens to judge, question, and guide leaders.

Accountability and transparency safeguard the republic, build trust, and unite communities. They ensure decisions serve the greater good, not personal or political gain. Leadership without them weakens society; leadership with them strengthens it. By committing to accountability and built-in transparency, leaders serve the people, earn lasting trust, and ensure justice, integrity, and service guide every decision.

What legacy would you like to leave?

That I know that I have of all and did my very best to do what was right even when no one was watching.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

3 years old, I remember seeing 3 tornados in Henderson, KY.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My very first job? I made pizzas for about a year right before I joined the military in 1988.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Bible because it holds the truth of life.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Tom Cruise Maverick... I wanted to work on aircraft, and that's exactly what I got to do in the military as an aircraft mechanic.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Understanding jokes... My dear wife has to explain most of them to me.

Governors have many responsibilities, which vary from state to state. Which of those do you personally consider the most important in your state?

Personally, I would consider being accessible, open, and honest as the most important qualities for leadership in our state. Without accessibility, citizens cannot engage with their leaders or have their concerns understood. Without openness, decisions and processes remain opaque, eroding trust. Without honesty, even the best intentions lose credibility.

Being accessible and willing to listen to everyone—regardless of politics or affiliations—ensures that all voices are heard and considered. Doing what you say you will do, and meaning it, reinforces accountability and strengthens the bond between leaders and the people they serve. In essence, accessibility, openness, and honesty form the foundation for trust, effective governance, and a unified community.

Different states require governors to have different degrees of responsibility for the state budgeting process. If it were your choice, what do you believe is the appropriate degree of gubernatorial involvement with this process in your state?

If it were my choice, I believe the appropriate degree of gubernatorial involvement is not to act as the direct policy maker, but to serve as a principled guide for legislation. The governor should provide vision, ethical oversight, and informed guidance to ensure that laws are crafted in the public’s best interest. Their role is to champion policies that benefit all Oregonians, safeguard fairness, and align with the state’s long-term well-being, while respecting the legislative process and the voices of the people.

In short, the governor should lead with principles, influence with integrity, and ensure outcomes serve the common good without overstepping into micromanagement of lawmaking.

In most states, governors have the power to make line-item vetoes. If that is true in your state, what would be your philosophy for how and when to use this power?

My philosophy for using the line-item veto is that it should be employed sparingly and only as a necessary tool to correct specific issues or protect the public interest. It should never be used as a political wedge or for partisan gain, but rather as a measured instrument to ensure legislation aligns with the needs and well-being of Oregonians. The focus must always remain on responsibility, fairness, and the common good, not on political maneuvering or personal agendas.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

The ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature is one of collaborative partnership while respecting the separation of powers. The governor should work closely with legislators to advance policies that serve the people, provide principled guidance, and facilitate constructive dialogue. At the same time, each branch must maintain its constitutional authority, ensuring checks and balances are preserved while fostering cooperation and effective governance.

What do you love most about your state?

What I love most about Oregon is that it is a true gem of natural and ecological diversity. From the rugged coastline to high mountain forests, from fertile valleys to arid high deserts, Oregon offers some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world. Here, you can enjoy the ocean, water skiing, snow skiing, hiking, and camping—all within the same state.

Beyond its natural beauty, Oregon is richly diverse in its people and communities, blending urban innovation with rural resilience, and creating a state that is as dynamic and multifaceted as its landscapes.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

I perceive Oregon’s greatest challenges over the next decade to be divisive politics and the difficulty of uniting different communities around shared goals. Partisan gridlock and cultural polarization can hinder effective governance, slow progress on critical issues, and prevent collaboration on solutions that benefit all Oregonians. Overcoming these divisions will require leadership that emphasizes common values, dialogue, and cooperation to address the state’s needs collectively rather than through conflict.

Under what circumstances should the governor of your state be able to use emergency powers?

The governor of Oregon should use emergency powers only as a last resort, in situations where immediate action is necessary to protect the safety, security, or well-being of Oregonians. Overuse of these powers and emergency clauses in legislation undermines the rigor of political debate and bypasses the checks and balances essential to good governance. While swift action may sometimes be required for the four million people of the state, it must be balanced with legislation that works through collaboration, deliberation, and long-term solutions, rather than relying on repeated emergency declarations.

Do you support or oppose changes to the current state ballot initiative process? If so, what kind of changes would you consider?

I support modest reforms to Oregon's ballot initiative process to enhance accessibility, ensure fairness, and maintain the integrity of our legislative system. While the process allows citizens to propose and enact laws, recent developments show the need for adjustments.

Current Challenges

Overuse of Emergency Clauses: Frequent use of emergency clauses in legislation bypasses thorough debate, undermining careful decision-making.

Complexity and Accessibility: The process can be intricate and challenging for average citizens to navigate, potentially discouraging participation.

Proposed Reforms

Emergency Clause Restrictions: Limit the use of emergency clauses to situations of genuine urgency to preserve legislative scrutiny and public debate.

Process Simplification: Streamline the initiative process and provide clearer guidance to make it more accessible, encouraging broader citizen participation.

These reforms aim to ensure that initiatives are fair, well-considered, and serve the needs of all Oregonians while upholding responsible legislative standards.

A governor is the top executive authority in his or her state. What does that mean to you?

Being responsible for four million people’s safety, security, and infrastructure means carrying the immense weight of leadership—where every decision impacts lives, systems, and communities. It requires foresight, ethical judgment, and vigilance to protect citizens, maintain critical services, and ensure fairness. It demands accountability, transparency, and the ability to balance competing needs, because millions depend on competent, trustworthy leadership to safeguard their well-being and the stability of their daily lives.

Safety and Security: Ensuring the physical well-being of all citizens through effective emergency response, public health measures, and law enforcement.

Infrastructure: Maintaining and improving the systems that keep society functioning, including roads, bridges, utilities, communications, and public services.

Decision Consequences: Recognizing that every choice has real-world effects on millions, requiring careful planning and ethical consideration.

Trust and Accountability: Acting with integrity and transparency so citizens can rely on competent leadership.

Balancing Competing Needs: Prioritizing limited resources and addressing the diverse needs of urban, rural, and border communities fairly and effectively.

Candidates hear many personal stories from voters. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching or memorable?

When I was doing photography while driving around as a truck driver, a nearly blind woman messaged me telling me she was thankful because she wouldn't ever have the chance to travel in the rest of her life.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

Being only one of nine siblings to from college and to do it with honors and receiving Dean's List letters, top 2% of veterans and top 10% of the school.

What role should your state’s government have in the development or use of artificial intelligence?

The state government should treat artificial intelligence as a carefully managed tool, not a replacement for human judgment or governance. AI can support decision-making, streamline processes, and provide data insights, but its use must be limited, transparent, and closely monitored to prevent overreliance.

Overusing AI risks undermining the system, as people may become too dependent and lose critical thinking skills. In areas like education, reliance on AI can harm children by reducing opportunities for genuine learning and intellectual development. The government’s role should be to regulate AI responsibly, ensure it serves the public good, and prevent it from replacing human judgment in governance, education, or other essential functions.

What legislation would you want to sign related to election administration in your state?

I would support legislation to make voting accessible, secure, and straightforward while maintaining integrity and accountability. Key measures would include:

One-Day Voting on a Voting Holiday: Ensure all citizens can participate without work conflicts.

Free Voter IDs for Oregon Residents: Require two verified credentials (e.g., birth certificate, Social Security card, or utility/DMV mail) to confirm eligibility.

Free Transportation on Election Day: Provide secure rides to and from polling centers for all voters.

Optional Tax Incentives for Civic Participation: Offer a $200 tax credit for single voters and $500 for families as a reward for performing the civic duty of voting.

Paper Ballots with One-Day Counting: Ensure transparency, security, and timely results.

Auditing Requirements (Oregon HB 3448): Implement mandatory post-election audits to verify accuracy and strengthen public confidence in election outcomes.

These measures aim to maximize participation, protect voter integrity, and maintain public trust in Oregon’s elections.