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Ashland Today
By the People, for the People
Jackson County, state Legislature candidates set for May 19 Oregon primary
Contested races for two Jackson County Board of Commissioners seats and a crowded Democratic primary for an open Oregon Senate seat
Mar. 12, 2026 at 1:56am
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Candidate filing deadlines have set the stage for the May 19 Oregon primary, with contested races for two Jackson County Board of Commissioners seats and a five-way Democratic primary battle for an open Oregon Senate seat.
Why it matters
The primary elections will determine the candidates who will advance to the November general election for key local and state legislative positions, shaping the political landscape in Jackson County and Oregon's 3rd Senate District.
The details
For the Jackson County Board of Commissioners, four candidates are vying for two positions, with incumbent Republican Rick Dyer facing off against Democrat Lyndi Reichenbach. In the open Oregon Senate District 3 race, five Democrats are competing in the primary to face the Republican nominee in November, as current Senator Jeff Golden is retiring.
- The filing deadline for non-incumbent candidates was Tuesday, March 12, 2026.
- Incumbents faced a March 3, 2026 deadline to file.
- The Oregon primary election is scheduled for May 19, 2026.
- The general election will be held on November 3, 2026.
The players
Rick Dyer
Incumbent Republican Jackson County Commissioner who has served since 2015 and also served on the Rogue Valley Transportation District board from 2015-19.
Lyndi Reichenbach
Democrat challenger for Jackson County Commissioner, with no prior political experience and a background in management and technical support.
Jeff Golden
Retiring Democratic state Senator for Oregon's 3rd Senate District.
Chris Walker
Jackson County Clerk overseeing the primary election process.
Nate Sickler
Incumbent Jackson County Sheriff who is unopposed in the May primary.
What’s next
After the primary, non-affiliated and minor party candidates can seek nomination to be on the November general election ballot for both the Jackson County Commissioner and Oregon Senate District 3 races.
The takeaway
The upcoming primary will be a key test for local and state political dynamics, with contested races that could reshape the leadership in Jackson County and Oregon's 3rd Senate District.
