The city of Redmond announced that the position of Mayor and three City Council seats will be on the November 2026 general election ballot. Terms for the elected officials are set to begin in January 2027, offering community members an opportunity to help guide the city’s future.
Election Details
Serving on the Redmond City Council or as Mayor allows individuals to contribute to the city’s long-term vision, shape local policy and represent resident interests. The city encourages individuals committed to public service, collaborative problem-solving and thoughtful leadership to consider running for these open positions.
Prospective candidates interested in serving must meet specific eligibility requirements, including being at least 18 years of age, being a registered voter and having resided within Redmond city limits for at least one year prior to the election date.
Candidates have two options for filing: by fee or by nominating petition. The filing fee is $100 for the mayoral position and $50 for a City Council seat. Alternatively, candidates may submit a nominating petition with 100 verified signatures required for mayor or 50 verified signatures for City Council.
The current mayoral seat is held by mayor Ed Fitch. The three City Council seats up for election are currently held by John Nielsen, Kathryn Osborne and Cat Zwicker.
Informational Sessions
To assist potential candidates, the city will host informational sessions at City Hall regarding the election process and required filing documents. These sessions are scheduled for June 18 from 9:00–10:00 a.m. in Conference Room 105, July 22 from 5:00–6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers and Aug. 7 from 12:00–1:00 p.m. in Conference Room 105.
The city of Redmond operates under a council/manager form of government. Under this structure, the mayor and six council members serve four-year terms as the community’s policy-making body. A city manager, appointed by the council, is responsible for implementing council directives and managing daily operations.
For additional information or to obtain a candidate election packet, individuals may contact Redmond City Recorder Kelly Morse at 541-923-7751 or by email at [email protected]. The City Recorder’s Office is open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The filing deadline for all candidates is Aug. 25, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.