Decision 2026: More candidates file to run for four Deschutes County commissioner seats
KTVZ
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– More candidates have filed to run for four out of the five Deschutes County commissioner seats on the ballot in next May’s primary election. Two seats are currently occupied by incumbents Tony DeBone and Patti Adair, and two new seats have been added following voter approval of an expanded, five-member commission.
County commissioners recently appointed a seven-member citizen advisory committee to draft a district map representing each commissioner position after Measure 9-173 was passed by voters last November. The measure expands the commission from three to five seats; voters would decide next year whether to move from five at-large positions to ones elected by geographic zones.
According to the county, “If the BOCC — and ultimately the voters — approve the DMAC’s (District Mapping Advisory Committee’s) recommended map, the new districts would be in place for each election of commissioners, beginning in 2028.”
Jamie Collins, a 22-year veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard, climate scientist, and nationally certified disaster responder and incident commander, is running for Position 1, the seat currently held by county Commissioner and Chair Tony DeBone. John Heylin, a business owner and creator of Measure 9-173, John Heylin, is also running for the position.
For Position 3, currently held by Commissioner Patti Adair, Amanda Page and Amy Sabbadini have filed with the Secretary of State’s Office to run. Page is the Director of the Redmond School Board and Sabbadini has a background as an educator.
Rick Russell is the only candidate so far running for new commissioner Position 4. Morgan Schmidt and John Nielsen have both filed for Position 5, the other new seat.