Endorsements

We’re proud to share that The Source editorial board has endorsed Jamie for Deschutes County Commission, Position 1. The Source praised Jamie’s 22 years of service in the Coast Guard, his work as a climate scientist, and his comprehensive approach to the challenges facing our county — calling it “more strategic leadership” than what we’ve seen over the past 15 years. The editorial highlighted Jamie’s original research showing that 90% of county land-use decisions under the current commission involved our wildfire hazard zone — decisions that put families at risk and drive up insurance costs.

Read the full endorsement at bendsource.com and watch the entire interview here on YouTube.

Secretary Read’s endorsement marks the first time a sitting statewide elected official has endorsed a candidate in a Deschutes County Commission race in recent memory — and Jamie is the only candidate running in any county race this cycle to receive such a distinction. Tobias offers the following endorsement:

“Jamie Collins is exactly the kind of leader we need right now — at every level of government. His 22 years of Coast Guard service, his work as a disaster responder and climate scientist, and his deep commitment to servant leadership set him apart.

“Jamie is fighting for working people and those who do not have a seat at the table — and he understands something too few people in public life do: that local decisions don’t exist in a vacuum. Our affordability crisis, the water we protect, the housing we build, the communities we prepare for wildfire and climate change — these are local issues with roots that reach to Salem and to Washington. At a time of unprecedented challenge, both locally and nationally, we need leaders at every level with the knowledge, judgment, compassion, and resolve to see these problems through. Jamie is that leader, and I’m proud to stand with him.“

A tireless advocate for workers, public health and our environment, Commissioner Chang says the following about Jamie:

“In 2026, Deschutes County voters will elect four County Commissioners — leaders who will help shape our region’s housing future, land and water stewardship, behavioral health systems, and our resilience to wildfire and drought.

That’s why I’m proud to endorse Jamie Collins, a lifelong public servant and leader who is ready to serve Deschutes County with integrity, vision, and hard work. Jamie will help us steward Deschutes County’s land and water and make housing more affordable and available. Our county’s future depends on engaged voters and thoughtful leadership, and Jamie is committed to advancing solutions that will strengthen our community for years to come.”

Senator Anthony Broadman has dedicated his career to serving Central Oregon — first as a tribal attorney and Chief Judge of the Warm Springs Court of Appeals, then on the Bend City Council where he served as Mayor Pro Tem, and now representing our region in the Oregon State Senate. Sen. Broadman chairs our Senate Finance and Revenue Committee, co-chairs the Public Safety committee and serves on the Judiciary and Housing committees. Of Jamie, Sen. Broadman says:

“Jamie Collins has the determination, public service experience, and work ethic that Deschutes County needs in its next commissioner. I’ve seen firsthand how seriously he takes the responsibility of serving his community. As co-chair of the Legislature’s budget for public safety, I know how important it is to have county leaders who prioritize preparedness and resilience.

“Jamie has real, hands-on experience helping communities respond to natural disasters, wildfire recovery, and oil spills – experience that uniquely qualifies him to serve Deschutes County. At a time when federal support from agencies like FEMA and NOAA is being reduced, that experience matters. I’m proud to endorse Jamie Collins for Deschutes County Commissioner.”

A mom, attorney, and clean energy advocate serving on the Housing & Homelessness and Climate, Energy & Environment committees, Rep. Levy says the following:

“Deschutes County needs leaders who know how to solve real problems and work across levels of government to get results. That’s why I’m proud to support Jamie Collins for County Commissioner.

“Jamie brings an extraordinary background to this race — as a 22-year U.S. Coast Guard veteran, climate scientist, and disaster response leader who has led hundreds of emergency responses across Oregon. He understands how to prepare communities for wildfire, plan for the infrastructure and energy challenges ahead, and bring people together to tackle complex issues.”

A retired U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and physics teacher at Bend’s Summit High School, Steve says the following:

“I am endorsing Jamie for Deschutes County Commissioner because I recognize a shared vision of responsible and responsive public service, developed through our shared history of military service, that emphasizes teamwork, coalition building and, most importantly, real results on the ground.

I look forward to serving with Jamie to strengthen the partnership between the city of Bend and Deschutes County to make meaningful, near-term progress on affordable housing and helping those who are unhoused, wildfire resilience and hardening, smart and sustainable growth and a long-term vision that shapes our policies to reduce our climate impact while protecting our limited natural resources.”

A businessman, father and former U.S. Army paratrooper who served in the 82nd Airborne, John offers the following:

“Jamie is a fellow veteran who has spent his career solving complex problems. He has a proven record of bringing together different stakeholders and constituencies to create positive outcomes. The Deschutes County Commission needs ethical, solution-oriented leaders capable of putting the County above ego, self-interest and political cynicism.”

A political science professor at OSU-Cascades, Councilor Méndez has served Bend since 2019 — first on the Park and Recreation Board, then on the City Council. A transportation and housing policy advocate, he also volunteers as a youth sports coach and served as board president of Bend Bikes. Councilor Méndez says:

Jamie’s expertise in disaster response, climate science, and military diplomacy will help Deschutes County tackle its biggest challenges. As a U.S. Coast Guard veteran, Jamie knows how to implement effective solutions. Let’s put him to work for all Deschutes residents!

A retired sheriff’s deputy and U.S. Navy veteran, Councilor Evelyn brings a 35+ year career in public service to the Redmond City Council.

Gina brings experience to the Bend City Council as an affordable housing developer, renewable energy advocate, and engineer.

A former County Commissioner, Redmond Mayor, City of Redmond Planning Commissioner, and community volunteer, Alan says:

“I’m supporting Jamie Collins for County Commissioner because he understands that a healthy environment is the foundation of our quality of life and our economy here in Central Oregon. Jamie has protected our forests, rivers, and lakes as our region’s lead environmental emergency response officer, working with tribes, agencies, and private landowners to keep our resources safe. I know he’ll bring that same practical, no-nonsense approach to the Commission. He’s the kind of leader we need to keep Deschutes County a place where families and businesses can thrive — with access to clean air and clean, abundant water.”

A longtime Deschutes County Firewise community leader, Ray also serves on the board of the Council on Aging of Central Oregon.

A trailblazer for Democratic women in Central Oregon politics, Judy served as State Representative (2009-2011) and Bend-La Pine School Board Director (1989-1992). She currently serves as a political science instructor at Oregon State University-Cascades.

Chief Porter, an Air Force veteran and lifelong public servant, says of Jamie:

“Partisan politics have driven years of decision making by the Commission, leaving residents exceptionally vulnerable to the nonpartisan threats of wildfires, water contamination, the dangers that accompany unregulated camping, and a critical shortage of affordable homes for working families. Jamie’s decades of experience in executive level leadership, public safety, disaster response, and consensus building are exactly what we need to resolve the hardest of challenges and to improve the livability in Deschutes County. Join me in voting for a fresh start, vote Jamie Collins to bring responsible, ethical and nonpartisan leadership to our Commission.”

A longtime Deschutes County Firewise community leader, Ray also serves on the board of the Council on Aging of Central Oregon.

Members of the Deschutes Basin Water Collaborative and longtime residents of Woodside Ranch, Becky and Jim are Deschutes County community leaders and experts in water resource conservation. Jim has served multiple terms on the County Planning Commission and Becky is a longtime member of the League of Women Voters.

A Palliative Care Physician at St. Charles Healthcare, Dr. Neahring is Board Chair of the Council on Aging of Central Oregon; board member, the Jane Goodall Environmental Middle School; and Board Chair, Central Oregon Otago Program. Endorsing Jamie, she offers the following:

“As a physician who has spent my career helping Oregonians from all walks of life navigate the hardest challenges of health and life, I know how urgently we need leaders who understand that public health is about more than hospitals — it’s about secure housing, clean air, food, childcare, and so much more. That’s why I’m proud to endorse Jamie Collins, a climate scientist and Coast Guard veteran, whose career has been dedicated to evidence-based leadership and service. Jamie is the candidate we need to finally unseat a 14-year incumbent who has ignored science and medical expertise, and to bring real public health leadership to our County Commission.”

Michele and her husband David are dedicated Precinct Committee Persons (PCP) and Neighborhood Leader for the Deschutes Democrats. Michele serves as board member of the REACH Homeless Outreach Program. Michele and David say the following:

“We are proud to endorse Jamie Collins for County Commissioner. His genuine commitment to our community, practical problem-solving make him the right choice for this role.”

A registered nurse, Cindy is a community volunteer with Volunteers in Medicine and former member of the Meissner Nordic board.

Hilary serves on the board of Planned Parenthood’s Oregon advocacy organization. A retired Physical Therapist, she is a Nordic skier and community advocate in the unincorporated county.

Sue is founder and owner of Cottage Day Care, a Bend institution that started in 1978. The Cottage has weathered every storm our community has seen — while Sue, focused on her mission, has kept providing incredible, supportive, inspirational and affordable child care to multiple generations of kids in our community.

Owner of The Lounge Aesthetics + Wellness, Leela is an entrepreneur, nurse and advocate.

A Bend resident since 1979, David serves on the Steering Committee for 50501 Central Oregon and is a Deschutes Democrats Precinct Committee Person.

A resident of Eagle Crest and U.S. Navy veteran, Marv is a board member of both the St. Charles Foundation and Central Oregon Veterans Ranch. He is an active Rotarian with Redmond Rotary.

Emily is a mom and Oncology Infusion and Diagnostic Radiology Nurse at St. Charles Bend. She is a Steering Committee Member for 50501 Central Oregon and proud member of Oregon Nurse’s Association.

As former Chair of the Deschutes Democrats, a U.S. Army veteran and himself a past candidate for County Commissioner, Phil says:

“As a Veteran and former Chair of the Deschutes Democrats, I wholeheartedly support Jamie Collins for Deschutes County Commission. His experience and resume makes him a perfect fit for the Commission and is exactly who and what we need to lead Deschutes County.”

We are honored to be named one of OLCV’s priority statewide campaigns this election cycle. OLCV is investing in Jamie for his proven record on climate, the environment, and conservation.

A former CEO, member of the Chinook Nation and proud Pacific Northwesterner, Ambassador Nyhus says:

“Jamie will make a fantastic County Commissioner. As a former U.S. Ambassador in a climate-vulnerable region, I relied on Jamie as a trusted adviser, brilliant climate scientist, expert leader and creative problem-solver. He’s an incredibly hard worker, and his commitment to serving people and the planet shines through every day in meaningful results.”