SALEM, Ore. (AP) – Veteran Republican state Sen. Jackie Winters has died, according to House Speaker Tina Kotek.

Kotek made the announcement on the floor of the House on Wednesday, and called for a minute of silence.

Winters, who was re-elected in the 2016 election to represent the Salem area, had been ill with cancer and had been absent from the Legislature for some time.

MORE REACTION:

Governor Kate Brown on the passing of Senator Jackie Winters

(Salem, OR) — Governor Kate Brown released the following statement upon learning of the passing of Sen. Jackie Winters today:

“Senator Jackie Winters has been a bastion of integrity, justice, and common sense in the Oregon Legislature since she first took her seat in 1999. Her commitment to service knew no bounds. It shone through in every project she took on and every issue she tackled. I feel lucky to have had the privilege to call her my friend as well as my colleague for so many years.”

“I will always remember her courage in moving forward on Senate Bill 1008 just this session. Her legacy will live on through her family and in her community through the legislation she spearheaded to improve the lives of all Oregonians.”

A statement from Republican Leader Rep. Carl Wilson on the passing of Sen. Jackie Winters

SALEM, Oregon – House Republican Leader Carl Wilson (R- Grants Pass) today issued the following statement about the passing of Sen. Jackie Winters:

“We are saddened at the passing of Sen. Jackie Winters, a true pioneer, stateswoman and valiant leader. For many years, Sen. Winters embodied the spirit of Oregon, overcoming obstacles, setting a course for others to follow and bridging divides. Oregon has lost a truly great legislator and remarkable woman.”

She became the first African-American Republican elected to the Oregon House in 1998 and was elected to the Senate in 2002, where she subsequently rose to leadership of the Senate Republican Caucus.

SALEM – Rep. Jennifer Williamson issued the following statement on the passing of Sen. Jackie Winters.

“I am heartbroken. Jackie Winters was a true original – an extraordinary public servant whose life’s work has made Oregon a better place. She was a fierce fighter for truth, justice and fairness.

“I was not only fortunate to call her a friend, but fortunate to have her as a partner in the charge for a more just criminal justice system. I am not quite sure what we will do without her.

“I send my deepest condolences to her family and all those who were fortunate to know and love her. This is a sad day for Oregon.”