2026 General Election Candidate Questionnaire

Heading into the November general election, the Bend Chamber remains committed to providing an opportunity for members to hear directly from candidates on the issues shaping our business community and regional economy.

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This election cycle, we invited candidates for Bend City Council and Mayor, Oregon House District 53, and Congressional Districts 2 and 5 to respond to questionnaires focused on key business and economic priorities. We are also sharing responses submitted during the primary election by the remaining candidates for the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners.

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Our goal is to provide members with a useful resource as they learn more about the candidates and the perspectives they would bring to elected office. We encourage you to review the responses below and engage directly with candidates to learn more.

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Make sure you’re ready to vote. We encourage all eligible community members to register to vote by the October 13 deadline and make your voice heard in the November 3, 2026 General Election.

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Mayor + Bend City Council Candidates

Mayor

Melanie Kebler

View Melanie's responses
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Bernadette Strome

Candidate did not complete questionnaire

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Position #5

Ariel Mendez

View Ariel's responses

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Position #6

Elana Reinholtz

View Elana's responses

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House District 53 Candidates

Emerson Levy

View Emerson's responses

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Michael Summers

View Michael's responses

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Congressional District 5 Candidates

Patti Adair

View Patti's responses
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Janelle Bynum

View Janelle's responses

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Congressional District 2 Candidates

Chris Beck

View Chris's responses
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Cliff Bentz

Candidate did not complete questionnaire

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Deschutes County Commissioner Candidates (Primary Questionnaire)

Position #3

Lauren Connally

View Lauren's responses
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Amy Sabbadini

View Amy's responses

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Position #5

Rob Imhoff

View Rob's responses
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Morgan Schmidt

View Morgan's responses

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The Bend Chamber does not endorse candidates but rather focuses on sharing information with our members. Please direct any questions to Emily Boyd, Government Affairs Manager.