About Senator Roblan
Born in Port Angeles, Washington, Arnold “Arnie” Roblan first moved to Coos Bay, Oregon to work as a math teacher. He later became a high school principal. He was first elected to the Oregon House of Representatives in 2004, as a Democrat representing the 9th district, which spanned the southern Oregon Coast.
In the House, Roblan chaired the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee and the Rural Policy Committee as well as served on the Education Committee. During the 2009–2010 legislative session he served as Speaker Pro Tem.
During the 2010 Oregon legislative election, Republicans won enough seats to end the Democrats’ majority in the House of Representatives. The House became evenly divided between the two parties, with 30–30. Roblan became the 66th Speaker of the House, serving alongside Republican Bruce Hanna.
In the interview, Roblan and Hanna talk extensively about their work as co-Speakers of the House during the 76th Oregon Legislative Assembly.
After his term as Speaker, Roblan ran for the Oregon Senate. Elected in 2012 and again in 2016, he represented the 5th district. He did not seek re-election in 2020. He currently serves on the Oregon State Fair Council and the Oregon State Capitol Foundation Board of directors.
– Interview recorded June 18, 2024