In this Newsletter:

Big Wins in the Special District Election

Laying the Groundwork for 2026 Midterms

Run with the Democrats 

Oregon Democrats to Gather in Ashland for Statewide Meeting

Lighting the Way to Democracy Banquet 

Celebrate Democracy on July 4th with fellow Democrats 

Upcoming Events 

Results of the Special District Election are in, and Democrats have much to celebrate in Jackson County. Our local party officially endorsed or informally recommended candidates in more than 30 races across the county. In EVERY case, voters chose our candidates--most by wide margins.

You can see the candidates we endorsed here: https://www.jcdemocrats.org/election-info

You can see the unofficial election results here: https://results.oregonvotes.gov/ResultsSW.aspx?type=CTYALL&cty=03&map=CTY

The Medford School board race was a particular focus for our party, and our efforts really paid off. This past winter, an extreme right-wing group began to organize at the Mountain Church in Medford, calling themselves the “Community Impact Team.” They sought to recruit and promote school board candidates who support a “biblical foundation for education” and called for eliminating “woke education.” The group held town halls featuring speakers who rejected the concept of the separation of church and state, and they also presented their ideas at a Medford School Board meeting during public comments this past winter.

That’s when the Jackson County Democrats sprang into action, reaching out across the county to recruit progressive and moderate candidates.  Several strong candidates stepped up to run for positions on local school boards and our county’s library board.  

Thanks to our generous donors, we were able to give financial support to some of our endorsed candidates, which helped these candidates jump-start their campaigns in competitive races. Our Campaign and Communication Committees worked together on messaging, candidate training, designing slate cards and direct mail campaigns.

Just before ballots started arriving in Jackson County mailboxes, our Neighborhood Leader volunteers began to visit Democratic voters to get out the vote. More than 170 Neighborhood Leaders knocked on doors, made phone calls, dropped off literature, or sent postcards throughout Jackson County.  Once again, election results demonstrated the effectiveness of this program. Countywide, registered Democrats voted at higher percentages than registered Republicans, and Democratic voters in neighborhoods served by the Neighborhood Leader Program participated in even higher percentages.  

Jackson County Special District Turnout Statistics

Jackson County Turnout: 19.2%

Republicans in Jackson County: 20.9%

Non-affiliated Voters in Jackson County: 7.6%

Democrats in Jackson County: 34.4%

Voters covered by Neighborhood Leader Program: 44.6%

These statistics clearly show the power of our Neighborhood Leader Program (NLP). 

Learn more about this program by visiting here:  https://www.jcdemocrats.org/nlp-menu

To become a Neighborhood Leader or if you have further questions, email us at nlp@jcdemocrats.org 

The Jackson County Democrats do not have any paid staff, and our success in this May’s Special District Election is due to the combination of our talented volunteers and donors whose contributions helped us cover the cost of printing, postage, advertising and technology.  

As we celebrate the results of the May 2025 election, our local party is already at work to prepare for the upcoming 2026 Midterm Elections.  

Efforts are underway to recruit local candidates for the Jackson County Board of Commissioners as well as Oregon State Senators and Representatives for districts in Jackson County. And we’re working with other county parties to recruit a strong candidate to take on our current Representative in the U.S. House, Republican Cliff Bentz.  

Since Representative Bentz has been a strong ally for the chaotic and cruel policies of the Trump administration, interest is strong in finding a candidate to mount a viable campaign to replace Bentz in 2026. In fact, we expect to see several candidates competing for the Democratic nomination in the May primary.  

Now is a critical time for our local party to start raising funds for the next campaign. 

Since the midterms are partisan elections, we will need strong financial support to take on the well-funded Republican candidates in our county.  

Please consider making an early donation to our fund for the 2026 Midterm Campaign here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/midterm26  

Our local party does not receive any financial support from the Democratic National Committee.The Democratic Party of Oregon supports us with technical assistance for the Neighborhood Leader Program and access to a voter database. They sometimes award grants for special local projects; however, we do not receive regular direct funding from the state party. All donations will be spent in Jackson County to support local candidates and our get out the vote efforts. 

If you truly want to elect more moderates and progressives to office–people who will use common sense and stand up to the nonsense and nightmare of Project 2025–perhaps you should consider running yourself. Or encourage a friend to run!

If you’re new to all this, consider becoming a Democratic Precinct Committee Person (PCP). This is a two-year elective position (on the ballot during the May primary), and it’s a very easy process to get elected. You can learn a lot about how elections work by getting involved with your own political party (the Republicans have similar positions).  You can read more about becoming a PCP here:  https://www.jcdemocrats.org/get-involved/precinct-committee-person

Are you concerned about what’s happening with your city government? Consider running for your city council. These nonpartisan offices are always on the ballot in November of even years, and it’s not too early to start thinking about it. These overlooked but very important public entities make decisions affecting all of us who live within city boundaries. Start by attending some meetings to learn the lay of the land.  Even in the most conservative parts of the county, moderates and progressives have run successfully for these positions. If you care about your city, want to serve others, and are willing to learn, you are already a good candidate!

If you already have some experience–or have your eyes on higher office–there are many other options. See the list below.

We can help! Email our party chair, David Sours, at Chair@jcdemocrats.org to get the ball rolling.

On the ballot – 2026 Primary Election (May 19, 2026)

Precinct Committee Persons, two-year term (many openings)

Primary races for all partisan positions listed below

Various judicial positions (terms vary)

On the ballot – 2026 General Election (November 3, 2026)

Incumbents listed in parentheses.

PARTISAN POSITIONS

U.S. Senate (Jeff Merkley, D)

U.S. Representative, 2nd District (Cliff Bentz, R)

Governor (Tina Kotek, D)

State Senator, 3rd District (Jeff Golden, D)

State Representative, 4th District (Alek Skarlatos, R)

State Representative, 5th District (Pam Marsh, D)

State Representative, 6th District (Kim Wallan, R)

State Representative, 56th District (Emily McIntire, R)

Jackson County Commissioner, Pos. 1 (Rick Dyer, R)

Jackson County Commissioner, Pos. 3 (Colleen Roberts, R)

NONPARTISAN POSITIONS

Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industry (Christina Stephenson)

Jackson County Clerk (Christine Walker)

Jackson County Sheriff (Nate Sickler)

City positions will be on the ballot in most communities:  Mayor, Recorder, Council Members, Parks Commissioners

Jackson Soil & Water Conservation District Directors (two at-large positions)

For the first time in 20 years, the Jackson County Democrats are pleased to welcome staff, delegates and guests to the Democratic Party of Oregon’s State Central Committee (SCC) quarterly meeting the weekend of June 28-29, which will be held at Southern Oregon University. Volunteers are needed to help make this a seamless event. Available days to volunteer are Saturday and Sunday. To volunteer, go to: https://bit.ly/43rGmTn.

Special Event: Lighting the Way for Democracy Banquet

Democratic Party of Oregon & Jackson County Democrats

Joint Fundraising Dinner

Guest Speaker: State Representative Pam Marsh

Saturday, June 28th - Doors open at 5:00 p.m.

No-host cocktails, Beverages, Raffle Ticket Sales

Dinner at 6:30 p.m. 

Southern Oregon University - Stevenson Union

Ashland, OR

Tickets are $35 

Come enjoy the company of Democrats while supporting our state and  local Democratic Parties!  Get your tickets today 

We're excited to share that State Representative Pam Marsh will be our guest speaker. Join Rep. Marsh, the Jackson County Democrats and meet Democratic leaders from across Oregon for a wonderful evening of food and fellowship.  Get your tickets here.

Jackson County Democrats are putting together an entry for Ashland’s Fourth of July parade.  We’re looking to borrow a flatbed truck or large pickup to decorate for our parade entry.  We also need volunteers to help decorate the vehicle, make signs and march with us or ride on our “float.”  Your friends and family members are welcome to participate with us in the parade too.  If you want to help out or participate, please contact the party and one of our volunteers will get back to you with the details. Jackson County Democrats:   Phone:  541-858-1050.

Saturday June 14: No Kings Sidewalk Protest - Medford

Resistance to the Trump administration policies is rising!  Join Oregon District 2 Indivisible and Southern Oregon Women’s March at this peaceful mass protest in Medford. Corresponding actions are being held nationwide in response to Trump’s demand for a $45 million military parade on his birthday on June 14.  

TIME: 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 pm

LOCATION: McAndrews Rd between Crater Lake Ave and Biddle Rd

Find more information and register here: https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/784568/

Saturday June 28: Medford Pride

Organized by the LGBTQ+ Equity Workgroup of Southern Oregon’s Health Equity Coalition (SO Health-E).  Come celebrate the diversity and vibrancy of the local LGBTQIA2S+ community and the people who support and uplift us.  Jackson County Democrats will have an information booth at this event.  To volunteer at our booth, call 541-840-1050. 

TIME: 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m. 

LOCATION: Rogue X, 901 Rossanley Drive, Medford 

More information here: https://linktr.ee/medfordpride 

Saturday, June 28: Lighting the Way for Democracy

Democratic Party of Oregon Banquet - Southern Oregon University, Ashland

Joint fundraising party and dinner with Jackson County Democrats and the Democratic Party of Oregon. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. for social mixer with no host bar, soft drinks and raffle tickets for sale. Dinner at 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $35 each for this Saturday dinner. Get your tickets here

Saturday & Sunday June 28-29: Democratic Party of Oregon - State Central Committee Meeting

You can observe proceedings and get to know other Oregon Democrats at the Democratic Party of Oregon’s State Central Committee meeting during the weekend of June 28-29. 

LOCATION: Southern Oregon University - Stevenson Union - Ashland 

Friday July 4: Ashland’s Fourth of July Parade and Community Festival

Everyone loves a parade!  Join your fellow Democrats in Ashland’s Fourth of July Parade. Ride or march in the parade with the Jackson County Democrats or volunteer to help out at our booth in Lithia Park after the parade. Call us at 541-840-1050 to volunteer.