State Sen. Chuck Riley, D-Hillsboro, and his wife, Katie, were recognized by the Washington County Democrats last weekend with a Neuberger Award for going “above and beyond” in service of Democratic Party principles.

The Washington County Democrats created the annual distinction in 2013 to honor “an Oregon Democrat who has distinguished themselves by going above and beyond in promoting Democratic Party values through leadership, commitment and service,” according to the Democratic Party of Oregon’s website.

This is the fourth Neuberger Award, named for Maurine Neuberger, half of one of Oregon’s first political power couples.

Neuberger, who served in the U.S. Senate from 1961 to 1967, succeeded her husband, Richard, who was U.S. senator from 1995 to his death in 1960. (Rather than seeking appointment to the position, though, she won the Nov. 8 1960 general election).

Before heading to D.C., both Neubergers had careers in the Oregon Legislature.

They were the first couple to serve simultaneously in both chambers of a state legislature, according to the New York Times.

Chuck Riley said in a press release that the award was a “complete surprise.”

“When kids get support outside of school, they are more likely to succeed in school and become contributing members of our community,” said his wife, Katie Riley. “It is an honor to have this important goal be recognized.”

Democratic Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum presented the award to the Rileys Saturday at the Washington County Dems’ annual Neuberger Banquet.