Val Hoyle, a former Democratic lawmaker who served the Eugene area, will take the oath of office January 7 as the state’s Labor Commissioner. Hoyle served eight years in the Oregon House, rising to the role of majority leader. Her district included west Eugene and Junction City. She first ran for statewide office in 2016, falling short in her bid for the Democratic nomination for Secretary of State.
Last year, Hoyle turned her sights towards the position of Oregon Labor Commissioner. The current officeholder, Brad Avakian, is stepping down. Hoyle won a three-way race and will become the state’s tenth person…and second woman…to hold that position. It’s a four-year term.
In that role, Hoyle will oversee the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries. The agency enforces state laws relating to workplaces, housing and public accommodation.
