Oregon Mourns Trailblazing Sen. Avel Gordly, First Black Female State Senator

Gordly, who died at 79, was praised by politicians of both parties for her work across the aisle and dedication to improving education, mental health, and civil rights.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Tributes poured in Tuesday for former state Sen. Avel Gordly, who died Monday at the age of 79. Gordly was the first Black woman elected to the Oregon Senate in 1996 and served for 17 years, fighting to improve police accountability, mental health treatment, and the lives of disadvantaged Oregonians. Politicians from both parties praised her work across the aisle, and she was remembered as a mentor who inspired many, including the first Black woman to serve on the Washington County Commission.

Why it matters

Gordly's trailblazing career as Oregon's first Black female state senator and her decades of public service fighting for education, mental health, and civil rights made her a powerful presence in the state's political landscape. Her passing is a significant loss for Oregon, and her legacy will continue to inspire the next generation of leaders.

The details

Gordly spent 17 years in the Oregon Legislature, where she worked to improve the state's education system, create multicultural curriculum requirements, and establish a task force that advises the governor on environmental justice issues. She also counted among her accomplishments her work on improving police accountability and mental health treatment. Gordly's name now graces three Portland centers that speak to her impact: the behavioral health unit at Oregon Health & Science University, a Portland Head Start center, and the Gordly-Burch Center for Black Leadership and Civic Engagement.

  • Gordly died on Monday, February 17, 2026.
  • Gordly had just turned 79 years old on Friday, February 14, 2026.

The players

Avel Gordly

The first Black woman elected to the Oregon Senate in 1996, where she served for 17 years and fought to improve education, mental health treatment, and the lives of disadvantaged Oregonians.

Lew Frederick

A Democratic state senator who praised Gordly's work with colleagues across the aisle.

Fred Girod

A Republican state senator who said he will miss Gordly as a friend and that they formed a good partnership.

Tina Kotek

The governor of Oregon, who thanked Gordly for her leadership and called her a "powerful presence for justice."

Nafisa Fai

The first Black woman to serve on the Washington County Commission, who called Gordly a mentor who taught her and others that leadership is about service, integrity, and courage.

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What they’re saying

“If there was one thing Avel made clear, it's that she wanted us to work together.”

— Lew Frederick, State Senator (oregonlive.com)

“She and I formed a really good partnership. She understood the needs of Oregon and what a dichotomy it was. I will miss her as a friend.”

— Fred Girod, State Senator (oregonlive.com)

“Oregon was so lucky to have you. Rest well.”

— Tina Kotek, Governor of Oregon (oregonlive.com)

“I am proud to walk the path she created. Her legacy lives on in the many people she inspired. Our state has lost a giant.”

— Nafisa Fai, Washington County Commissioner (oregonlive.com)

“Her presence was regal and distinctive. I knew I was standing on the shoulders of a giant. I will miss her phone calls, her inspirational texts, and most of all, her high expectations for me.”

— Janelle Bynum, U.S. Representative (oregonlive.com)

What’s next

Gordly's passing will be marked by a memorial service and celebration of her life, where politicians, community members, and those she inspired are expected to gather to honor her legacy.

The takeaway

Avel Gordly's trailblazing career as Oregon's first Black female state senator and her decades of dedicated public service fighting for education, mental health, and civil rights have left an indelible mark on the state. Her passing is a significant loss, but her legacy will continue to inspire the next generation of leaders to follow in her footsteps and work across the aisle to improve the lives of all Oregonians.