Medford City Council Ward 1 · Nov 3, 2026
Brian Sjothun
Candidate for City Council Ward 1
Brian Sjothun is running for Medford City Council Ward 1 in the Nov 3, 2026 election, unopposed.
Last day to register to vote · Tue, Oct 13, 2026
Medford city manager from 2016 to 2024 and parks and recreation director from 2004 to 2016. Lists his occupation as semi-retired owner of Elevated Leadership Consulting.
- Occupation (from candidate statement)
- Semi-Retired; Owner - Elevated Leadership Consulting
- Endorsed by
- Lists Jessica Ayres, Mike Kerlinger, Garrett West, Kevin Stine, Mayor Michael Zarosinski, Jackson County Commissioner Randy Sparacino, former Mayor Gary Wheeler, former Councilor Tim D’Alessandro, Al Densmore, Bill Ihle, Brad Hicks and Claudette Moore. Jackson County Voters' Pamphlet, Nov 3, 2026 General Election (City of Medford, pp. 15-37 to 15-40)
Brian Sjothun is the only candidate for Ward 1. Incumbent councilors Jessica Ayres (Ward 1) and Zac Smith (Ward 2) did not file for re-election. Rogue Valley Times · Aug 28, 2026
Where Brian Sjothun stands: positions on the record
Budget and spending1 sourced position
Says he would bring budget discipline to the council to help keep costs down for families.
“watching every dollar to help keep costs down for families”
Own statementJackson County Voters' Pamphlet, Nov 3, 2026 General Election (City of Medford, pp. 15-37 to 15-40)
Downtown projects1 sourced position
Says he wants to finish the downtown conference center.
“Finish the Conference Center: Let’s finish what we started and bring new life to our downtown, local shops, and hotels.”
Own statementJackson County Voters' Pamphlet, Nov 3, 2026 General Election (City of Medford, pp. 15-37 to 15-40)
Homelessness and livability1 sourced position
Says he wants to keep working with local nonprofits on homelessness.
Own statementJackson County Voters' Pamphlet, Nov 3, 2026 General Election (City of Medford, pp. 15-37 to 15-40)
Medford Water Commission1 sourced position
Appointed by the mayor to the Medford Water Commission for a term running Feb. 1, 2026 to Jan. 31, 2031; the council confirmed the appointment 8-0 (January 2026).
Commission voteMedford City Council meeting minutes, 2026-01-21 · Jan 21, 2026
Also running for City Council Ward 1
No one else is running for this seat.
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