RainierNot a ballot

Voter guide · Nov 3, 2026

Rainier Mayor & City Council Election 2026

2 of 7 council seats are on the ballot, with 6 candidates running. Updated Oct 21, 2026. Every claim links to its source. How we check

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Nov 3Election Day

How to vote · 11 days left

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Election Day (Nov 3): the election office's notice

These links go to official state and county election sites. Hours and rules differ by state; your election office has the final word.

The candidates

Listed alphabetically by last name. Every position links to its source.

Every Rainier voter picks one mayor for a two-year term and one councilor for Position 4 for a four-year term; all seats are citywide. Positions 1, 3 and 5 are also on the ballot with one unopposed candidate each.

Election Day · Nov 3

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Also on your Nov 3 ballot

We research city races only. For these races, go to the state's official guide or a nonpartisan one.

Official voter lookupState voter guideVote411 (League of Women Voters)

Districts come from 2020 Census blocks and the district maps for this election. Your address decides your districts.

Already on the council, not on the ballot

Whoever you elect will govern alongside these members.

Officeholders' pages compare what they've said with how they've voted, with sources.

What the next council decides

01Wastewater plant and sewer finances4 sourced facts

Where it standsRainier has an agreement with the state Department of Environmental Quality to repair its sewer collection system, and in September 2026 the council authorized staff to seek a loan for a wastewater plant expansion.

What's on the tableHow to pay for wastewater plant upgrades and sewer repairs, and whether to add a screw press at the plant.

02Utility rates and city fees4 sourced facts

Where it standsThe council formed a Revenue Committee in February 2026 and in August 2026 directed staff to prepare a list of all city fees and charges.

What's on the tableWhether to raise water and sewer rates and other city fees, and how to set future increases.

03Local economy3 sourced facts

Where it standsThe council approved an enterprise zone boundary change for a lumber mill investment and is weighing a request to fund the Columbia Business Alliance.

What's on the tableHow the city supports local businesses, tourism and new employers.

04Police and emergency services2 sourced facts

Where it standsThe police department reported an open position in April 2026.

What's on the tableHow much the city spends on police and emergency services.

05Communication with residents2 sourced facts

Where it standsCouncil meetings are broadcast live on KLTV and recordings are posted online.

What's on the tableHow City Hall shares information with residents and takes their input.

3 notes on these statements

Mayor Jerry Cole is not on the ballot; he was elected Columbia County commissioner in May and takes office in January 2027. The Spotlight (Your Oregon News) · Sep 4, 2026

Michael Kreger holds council Position 6, with a term ending December 31, 2028. City of Rainier

Only Vanessa Meza submitted a statement for the county voters' pamphlet among the Rainier candidates. Columbia County Voters' Pamphlet, November 3, 2026 General Election

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Who matches you?

Answer any of these questions. We compare your answers with each person's sourced record, and nothing is stored. Questions where no one has a sourced record yet are left out. Tap a selected answer again to skip it.

  1. 1. Should Rainier borrow now to expand its wastewater plant?

  2. 2. Should utility rates and city fees cover the full cost of services?

  3. 3. What should Rainier focus on to boost its local economy?

  4. 4. Should the city spend more on police and emergency services?

  5. 5. Should City Hall do more to share information with residents?

Seat the councilSeat the Council →Pick a winner for each open seat and see where the resulting council stands on each issue.On the recordHow the council voted13 council decisions, each member's vote side by side, with a link to the minutes.

Key dates

The seat math

5 stay (not up this year): Scott Cooper, Robert duPlessis, Jeremy Howell, Paul Langner, Denise Watson2 on this ballot

7 council seats plus a mayor who doesn't vote on council items. The council decides by a 4-vote majority.

  • The council is made up of seven council members elected from the city at large. City of Rainier
  • The mayor is elected for a two-year term at each biennial general election. City of Rainier
  • The mayor chairs the council and votes only in case of a tie. City of Rainier
  • Council members serve staggered four-year terms; Positions 1, 3, 4 and 5 are elected together, and Positions 2, 6 and 7 two years later. City of Rainier
  • Vacancies in elected city offices are filled by appointment by a majority of the council. City of Rainier

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