Tag 2026 city election
Salem city races are expensive. Here’s who’s writing the checks.
Nearly one-third of Mayor Julie Hoy’s reelection campaign donations come from real estate or development firms and their political action committees, a Salem Reporter analysis of campaign finance found.
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At 7, she helped save Salem’s library. She’s just getting started
Salem third-grader Zoey Harper’s public speaking skills were instrumental to the effort to pass a tax measure that prevented deep library cuts in 2025. Now, she’s hosted a candidate forum and posed questions to elected officials. She has no plans of slowing down.
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VOTE 2026: Councilor Vanessa Nordyke says she has the people on her side in mayoral bid
Vanessa Nordyke says she will be a more transparent and ethical mayor than incumbent Julie Hoy. Her supporters view her as a hardworking champion positioned to fight for the common good, while detractors say she’s too progressive for Salem.
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VOTE 2026: In her reelection bid, Mayor Julie Hoy ducks the spotlight
Salem Mayor Julie Hoy is asking Salem voters for another two years in the city council’s top position as she fends off a challenge from Salem City Councilor Vanessa Nordyke in the May 19 election. She didn’t agree to an interview but has said in speeches that she brings steady fiscal leadership and a focus on core services.
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VOTE 2026: Meet your candidates for Salem City Council Ward 4
Councilor Deanna Gwyn, a real estate broker, is running for reelection to the Salem City Council after winning her first term in 2022. Challenging her is state health director Dave Inbody.
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Hoy, Nordyke usually vote together. Here’s where they’ve been at odds on the Salem council.
Mayor Julie Hoy and Councilor Vanessa Nordyke are in the midst of a contentious mayoral race after three years together on the Salem City Council. Salem Reporter reviewed three years of city council and budget committee meeting records to see where the contenders for mayor have stood apart.
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VOTE 2026: Meet your candidates for Salem City Council Ward 2
Council President Linda Nishioka, a retired department director at Willamette Ear, Nose and Throat, is seeking a second term representing south central Salem. Her challenger is Manny Martinez, a political newcomer and small business owner.
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VOTE 2026: Meet your candidates for Salem City Council Ward 8
Councilor Micki Varney, a retired fish biologist, is running to secure another four years as West Salem’s city councilor. Challenging her for a second time is local business owner Chris Cummings, who narrowly lost the primary race against Varney in 2022.
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VOTE 2026: Meet your candidates for Salem City Council Ward 6
Councilor Mai Vang, an attorney, is running for a full term on the Salem City Council after winning the seat in a 2025 special election. Challenging her is business owner Betsy Vega.
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