Governor Tina Kotek reversed course, posting a video supporting Lebanon High School in T-Mobile’s $1 million stadium contest after backlash over her earlier silence.
Oregon — Following criticism for remaining silent on Lebanon High School’s bid in T-Mobile’s nationwide Friday Night 5G Lights competition, Governor Tina Kotek has reversed course, posting a video statement on social media voicing her support for the school. “They are vying for the top spot” “join me in voting for the home team, go Lebanon” she said in the clip posted below.
The message marks a notable shift from the recent response from her staff, when Kotek’s office declined requests to promote the competition, citing restrictions on using official state channels for fundraising. The initial refusal drew backlash from Lebanon residents and rural Oregonians, who argued the governor was missing an opportunity to back a community effort that had no partisan edge.
The Lebanon Warriors recently drew support from famed Trail Blazers player Damian Lillard who posted a call to support the school on his Instagram account…