Deschutes County Commission Position 5: Schmidt, Imhoff poised to face off in November
Published 9:24 pm Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Morgan Schmidt and Rob Imhoff led the race Tuesday night for Deschutes County commissioner Position 5, a two-year term that begins in January. The seat is one of two new positions added to the Deschutes County Commission.
Schmidt had 44.7% of the vote as of 8:16 p.m. Tuesday, while Imhoff had 38.1%. The top two candidates advance to a November runoff if no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote.
Jennifer Letz received 15% of the vote. Ron “Rondo” Boozell received 2%.
Schmidt is endorsed by the Deschutes County Democratic Party. Imhoff is endorsed by the Deschutes County Republican Party.
Schmidt said Tuesday night she was “honored” to be leading the race and said the results showed voters are looking for change on the county commission.
“I think the results tonight show us that Deschutes County residents are ready for a new sort of county commission that is going to fight for them, fight for the affordability we deserve, fight for the mental health care we deserve and protect our lands, waters and tax dollars,” Schmidt said.
Schmidt said affordable housing and behavioral health remain top priorities in the race heading into November.
“Top of mind and laser focus for me is our affordable housing crisis,” he said, adding that the county should work with cities and the state to expand housing supply.
Schmidt also said the county should strengthen mental health services.
Imhoff said he was not surprised the race appeared headed to a runoff because of the four-candidate field.
“We were of course hopeful that we would be able to get a majority with 50% plus one, and it just looks like with multiple candidates in the race it makes that path quite a bit harder,” he said.
If the results hold, Imhoff said he plans to continue campaigning with the same message through November.
“You just have to go out and have more conversations with more people and listen well,” he said.
Imhoff said county government should remain focused on issues such as land use, public safety and behavioral health rather than partisan politics.
“The more we can keep partisan politics out of that discussion, I think the more that we can get done,” he said.
He also said wildfire preparedness and water issues are likely to remain major concerns in the coming months.