Oregon State Rep. Tina Kotek sworn in as House Speaker, first lesbian to lead a state legislative chamber in the US.

Salem, Ore. (AP) - Rep. Tina Kotek, of Portland, was elected speaker, becoming the first lesbian to lead a state legislative chamber in the United States. She took the oath of office alongside her partner, Aimee Wilson.

Kotek urged her colleagues to listen, not to be afraid of different perspectives and not to shy away from robust but constructive debates.

"All the voices need to be heard, from the most vulnerable to the most well-heeled, if we are to meet our moral obligation to represent and serve all Oregonians," Kotek said.

Democrats retained control of the state Senate with a slight 16-14 edge. Sen. Peter Courtney, of Salem, was elected to a sixth term as Senate president — a position he's already held longer than anyone else in Oregon history.