Grant County commissioner candidates outline goals ahead of primary

The two candidates, Sam Palmer and Rick LaMountain, share their motivations and priorities for the county.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 2:00am

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of a solitary ballot box sitting on a wooden table in a county courthouse hallway, with warm sunlight streaming in through a window and casting deep shadows across the scene, conceptually representing the importance of the upcoming Grant County commissioner primary election.The upcoming Grant County commissioner primary election will be a pivotal moment for the county's future, as voters weigh the distinct visions of the two candidates.Canyon City Today

The two candidates for Grant County commissioner, Sam Palmer and Rick LaMountain, recently completed a questionnaire outlining their motivations for running and their top priorities if elected. Palmer, a former commissioner, cites calls from residents to seek the open seat and highlights past successes like securing COVID-19 relief funds. LaMountain, a longtime public policy advocate, emphasizes the need to strengthen the county's economic base, support the aging population, and maintain access to natural resources.

Why it matters

The Grant County commissioner race is an important one, as the commissioners play a key role in shaping the county's economic development, public services, and natural resource management. Voters will have a clear choice between the two candidates and their distinct visions for the county's future.

The details

Palmer and LaMountain outlined their top priorities if elected. Palmer cited economic stability, lack of reliable healthcare, and discord between the county and cities as the most critical issues. He proposed holding a joint work session with all elected officials to unify the county's goals. LaMountain emphasized strengthening the agricultural and timber industries, fostering intergenerational relationships, and challenging any state efforts to restrict gun rights.

  • The 2026 Grant County commissioner primary election will be held on May 19.
  • Palmer previously served as a Grant County commissioner.

The players

Sam Palmer

A former Grant County commissioner who is seeking to return to the role.

Rick LaMountain

A longtime public policy advocate who is running for the Grant County commissioner seat.

Laurie Cates

The Grant County Clerk who oversaw ballot processing during the 2024 primary election.

Kate Brown

The former Governor of Oregon who was criticized by Palmer for not releasing COVID-19 relief funds to Grant County.

Cliff Bentz

The U.S. Representative for Oregon's 2nd congressional district, who worked with Palmer to stop the River Democracy Act.

Ron Wyden

The U.S. Senator for Oregon who introduced the River Democracy Act that Palmer opposed.

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What they’re saying

“I was asked by several people throughout the county to seek the open commissioner seat that I formerly held. In my previous term as commissioner, the court had many wins. Aside from the fires, floods, and pandemic, three big wins I brought forward were getting a new floor in the pavilion, helping bring several million dollars of COVID-related money into Grant County when Gov. Kate Brown was not releasing it, and working closely with Oregon U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz to stop the disastrous River Democracy Act brought forth by Oregon U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden.”

— Sam Palmer, Candidate for Grant County Commissioner

“I have a lifelong record of public-policy involvement that has prepared me to help tackle the county's economic, human-services, and natural-resource challenges. I'm eager to devote my knowledge and energies toward making Grant County a better, more prosperous place for our own and future generations.”

— Rick LaMountain, Candidate for Grant County Commissioner

What’s next

The Grant County primary election will be held on May 19, 2026, and the winner will advance to the general election in November.

The takeaway

The Grant County commissioner race presents voters with a clear choice between two candidates with distinct visions for the county's future. Voters will have to weigh the candidates' priorities and leadership styles to determine who is best equipped to address the county's pressing economic, healthcare, and natural resource challenges.