It’s official, November’s race for Corvallis mayor will be a rematch. Former City Councilor Andrew Struthers announced on Wednesday that he has filed. Mayor Charles Maughan had already announced last month.
Only 34 votes separated the two in Corvallis’ last mayoral match-up. A third candidate, former City Councilor Roen Hogg, was eliminated in the first-round instant runoff.
Struthers currently sits on the Benton County Planning Commission. From 2019 to 2022, he had served as a Corvallis City Councilor, representing Ward 9. Since 2024, he has been serving on the board of directors of SEIU 503 representing the higher education sector, while at the same time in 2025 completing the Oregon Labor Candidate School.
By day, Struthers, is an information technology professional for OSU’s Student Affairs IT department.
“Whether you live, commute for work or school, or enjoy visiting Corvallis, there are issues that affect everyone that require leadership from our mayor,” Struthers said. “My family continually see the issues facing everyday residents, whether its increase in costs, struggles of raising a family here, or the lack of necessary growth Corvallis needs to have happen.”
Struthers is married and has two children, ages 4 and 9, he volunteers to help coach and umpire local little league programs. Born in Albany, OR, and raised throughout the Willamette Valley, Struthers moved to Corvallis in 2006 to attend Oregon State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in both Finance and Business Information Systems in 2012.
In a release, he speaks to labor and finance as areas of emphasis.
“Oregon labor workers are an essential part of what makes all parts of Corvallis work; we need a mayor who will show up and support our workers every day,” Struthers said. “We need strong economic and housing growth, and I want to see Unions in Oregon helping make that happen.”
As mayor, Struthers says he wants to work with the City Council and community on addressing issues related to immediate housing growth, business support and growth, maintaining strong research programs, and developing a Corvallis that supports families and all residents.
Mayor Maughan is in his first term. He says that since taking office he has focused on strengthening the city’s foundation through sustainable infrastructure development and expanded housing opportunities. He has also navigated the City through complex charter amendments.
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as your Mayor,” said Maughan. “Together, we have made significant strides in addressing our city’s most pressing challenges, particularly in housing and local infrastructure. But there is more work to be done. I am running for re-election to ensure we continue this momentum and build a Corvallis that is inclusive, resilient, and thriving for every resident.”
In a release, Maughan outlines a three-pronged platform for a second term:
Housing Stability: Continuing to streamline city-partnered housing initiatives to ensure diverse and affordable options for everyone.
Infrastructure Investment: Seeing through the completion of critical city projects to support long-term growth.
Local Economic Growth: Supporting local business, fostering an environment where entrepreneurs can succeed and continuing our work in revitalizing our downtown.
A third candidate has also filed. Kimi Gatherum, in her filing, says she has a BS in Health Promotion and Behavior, and that she has worked for Oregon’s Department of Human Services. She lists her current occupation as sales associate.
City Council races also developing
Four of nine City Councilors will not seek reelection this year, and another one or two, may or may not. Another incumbent that is absolutely running is facing a formidable opponent. Also, this could all change in a flash.
It’s early days. The filing window for non-incumbent candidates started on June 3 and runs all the way to August 25, 2026. City staff advise NOT waiting to the last minute, they are recommending that all forms be submitted by August 20, 2026.
The filing window for incumbent candidates is a little shorter, they have until August 18. It is recommended that their forms be submitted by August 13, 2026.
So, let’s get into what we know so far.
Ward 1: Scuttlebutt has it that Councilor Jan Napack is declining to run for another term. So far, only Steve Clark has filed for the seat, he is the former vice-president of marketing and public relations for Oregon State University. Clark has been co-leading a development task force focused on downtown.
Ward 2: Incumbent Councilor Briae Lewis is running. First time candidate Tarsa Weikert, a Planning Commission member and Leaderhsip Corvallis graduate, appears to be a formidable opponent. This is a race to watch.
Ward 3: First term incumbent Jim Moorefield has filed to run again. There are rumors he’ll have an opponent, but none have filed.
Ward 4: It appears first term Councilor Ava Olson will not seek reelection. Corvallis Watershed Council member Paul Berg has filed, and so far, he is unopposed. He has a civil engineering background.
Ward 5: Prominent incumbent Charlyn Ellis will be retiring. Christine Dashiell has filed, listing her occupation as Japanese translator, she does not list any government experience. So far, she is unopposed.
Ward 6: It has been assumed that first term incumbent Alison Bowden would seek reelection, but they have not filed yet. If they do file, they will have a rematch on their hands. Last cycle’s opponent Brennan Colberg has filed, he is currently the Corvallis Planning Commission’s vice-chair. Too early to see how this one will shake out.
Ward 7: Longtime incumbent Paul Shaffer is retiring. Two have filed to take his place. Jerry Ingersoll is the retired manager of the Siuslaw National Forest. Danielle Chambers is both a Corvallis City Charter Review Task Force member and Leadership Corvallis graduate. This will be another race to watch.
Ward 8: First term incumbent Carolyn Mayers is former vice-chair of the Corvallis Planning Commission. She appears to be popular in her ward. So far, she is unopposed.
Ward 9: Incumbent Councilor Tony Cadena will be retiring. He has endorsed Alexis Hammer, who is also endorsed by members from both flanks of the current council. So far, no opposition has filed. Hammer is a Legislative and Policy Marager for Oregon’s Department of Land Conservation and Development. He has had governmental roles focused on transportation and sustainability. He currently serves on the Corvallis Budget Commission and the Downtown vitality Task Force Subcommittee on Downtown Economy.
We think much of this may change by the middle of August; we’ll keep you posted.
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