City Council Elections

The Bend City Council is comprised of six council members and a Mayor, all elected by Bend voters.

The City of Bend and Deschutes County work together to conduct local elections.

Election box in front of the Public Works main building.

2026 General Election

  • Election Date: November 3, 2026
  • Positions Up for Election: 3 (2 Councilors + Mayor)
  • Term Length: 4 years

All positions are elected at-large and are not tied to any specific geographic areas.

Positions Up for Election

  • Position #5
    (currently held by Ariel Méndez)
  • Position #6
    (currently held by Mike Riley)
  • Mayor
    (Position #7, currently held by Melanie Kebler)

Current Candidates

The following individuals have filed as candidates for the November 3, 2026, election. Status updates will be reflected as candidates progress through the filing and certification process. Click on a candidate’s name to view their SEL 101 Candidate Filing Form.

  • Position #5

  • Postion #6

  • Position #7 (Mayor)

Thinking about running for City Council?

Download the Candidate Packet to get started. Questions? Contact the City Recorder’s Office: abontje@bendoregon.gov or 541-323-7164.

Candidate Packet

Important Dates

  • June 3, 2026 – Filing opens
  • August 18, 2026 – Filing deadline (incumbents)
  • August 25, 2026 – Filing deadline (non-incumbents)
  • August 25, 2026 – Voter pamphlet statement due
  • August 28, 2026 – Withdrawal deadline
  • November 3, 2026 – Election Day

Candidate Process

  • Step 1: File

    Submit:

    1. SEL 101 Candidate Filing Form
    2. SEL 121 Signature Sheet
    3. Proof of residency

  • Qualification

    The City Recorder reviews each application to confirm that candidates meet the eligibility requirements. Once a candidate is approved, they can move forward with the next step of the process and begin collecting the required signatures.

  • Step 3: Ballot Certification

    Candidates who meet the requirements, complete and submit all necessary forms, and gather at least 150 verified signatures will qualify to have their name placed on the ballot.

     

     

    Withdrawn

    Certified candidates can withdraw from the election until August 28, 2026, and their name will not be printed on the ballot.

Candidate Requirements

To qualify as a candidate, one must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen
  • Be 18 years or older
  • Be a registered voter
  • Have lived in Bend for at least 12 months before the election

Additionally:

  • Cannot run for another City position on the same ballot
  • Cannot be running for another lucrative office.
    • An office is considered lucrative if a salary or other compensation beyond expenses is attached to it.
  • Must file by petition and collect 150 signatures to be on the ballot

Expectations & Compensation

City Council members typically attend four evening council meetings each month. In addition to regular Council meetings, elected officials serve on the Bend Urban Renewal Agency Board, the Budget Committee, and other local and regional committees.

Although City Councilors are not City of Bend employees, they receive compensation from the City in recognition of their duties and to help reduce barriers to participation in City government. Council compensation is set by ordinance and is reviewed by an independent advisory committee every five years. The Ordinance and corresponding Issue Summary provide additional detail.

Councilors receive:

  • $30,000 annual stipend
  • Health benefits
  • $3,000 wellness stipend

Mayor receives:

  • $50,000 annual stipend
  • Health benefits
  • $3,000 wellness stipend

Election Offices

  • City Recorder’s Office
    City of Bend

    541-323-7164
    710 NW Wall Street
    Bend, OR  97703

    Send an Email

  • Deschutes County Elections

    541-388-6547
    1300 NW Wall Street, 2nd Floor
    Bend, OR 97701

    Visit

  • Oregon State Elections Division

    503‐986‐1518
    141 State Capitol
    Salem, OR 97310

    Visit Oregonvotes.gov

Contact