KLCC Voter Guide - Oregon Primary Election - May 19, 2026
KLCC Voters Guide for the Oregon Primary Election on May 19, 2026 - Includes candidate interviews and coverage on elections and ballot measures across the region.
4th Congressional District
Courtesy of Candidates
Val Hoyle is running for a third term representing Oregon’s 4th District in Congress, saying she hopes to be a part of a blue wave that will hold the Trump administration accountable. An opponent in the Democratic primary, Melissa Bird, said the district needs a new, bolder voice who has directly experienced the impacts of this administration’s policies.
Watersheds Bill of Rights (Lane County Measure 20-373)
Nathan Wilk
/
KLCC
A measure on the Lane County ballot this May aims to combat pollution by creating a "Watersheds Bill of Rights." But it's drawn fierce debate over how the law would impact local businesses and services.
Oregon Governor's Race
Eli Imadali
/
OPB
The frontrunner in the Republican race for Oregon governor argues she’s the clear choice to take on Gov. Tina Kotek in November.
Lane County Board of Commissioners
Courtesy of the Candidates
Incumbent Ryan Ceniga said he’s seeking another term to advocate for housing and rural communities. He’s challenged by Thomas Hiura, who said local government needs to include voices that haven’t always felt welcome at the county level.
Courtesy of the Candidates
Eugene City Council
![City council candidates Jennifer Smith [left] and John Barofsky [right] speak at an April 24, 2026 Eugene City Club forum.](https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3c556ba/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6960x3878+0+19/resize/560x312!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3c%2Fd9%2F0f7e86324d7aabdcf2d24c9274d0%2F424-13.JPG)
Additional Races in Oregon
Ballot Measures and Levies
Fire Protection Services
Within Lane County
Navigate to KLCC's May 2026 Primary Election Coverage by topic:
More Coverage
-
Two incumbents seeking reelection to the Lane Board of County Commissioners were trailing election night, according to preliminary results. In Springfield, challenger Sean VanGordon was ahead of incumbent David Loveall, and in East Lane County, Jake Pelroy was ahead of incumbent Heather Buch. -
The state senator led in the early returns on Election Night. Her win lines up a rematch with Gov. Tina Kotek. -
The open seat is currently held by Republican Cedric Hayden, who was barred from running for reelection after participating in a lengthy legislative walkout in 2023.
-
On election night, 4th Congressional District incumbent Val Hoyle was far ahead in the Democratic Primary against Corvallis challenger Melissa Bird, according to preliminary results. -
The candidates are competing to succeed John Lively, a longtime Democratic state lawmaker who’s retiring at the end of his current term.
