August 28, 2026 3:40 a.m. 

With the filing deadline now passed, candidates for mayor and Roseburg City Council in the November General Election are set.

For the first time in nearly three decades, Roseburg will see a new mayor in 2027 as incumbent Larry Rich opted not to run for another term. He was first elected in 1998. Three people have filed for the position: Self employed appraiser David Bolhuis, small business owner Steve Looley and self-employed artist Max Smoot.

For the Ward 1 position, small business owner R.J. Mills is running unopposed. Jason Tate, who was appointed in April of 2025 to fill a vacant seat, told News Radio 93-9 FM and 1240 KQEN that he decided not to run for a full term on the council.

In Ward 2, Oregon Department of Transportation Region Transportation Manager Mike Baker has no opposition. Incumbent Shelley Briggs Loosely chose not to run for another term after husband Steve Loosely decided to run for mayor.

In Ward 3, Oregon Pacific Bank Commercial Team Lead Matt Kowal and Sam Denney will face off. Denny is Adapt Integrated Health Care’s – Opioid Treatment Program – Director of Operations. Incumbent Ellen Porter told KQEN she decided not to run again as she is spending too much time out of state, due to her job.

In Ward 4, Incumbent Ruth Smith, who is retired, is being challenged by Tiffany Fouse. Fouse is the Community Engagement Specialist for the Roseburg School District.

The General Election is Tuesday, November 3rd.