Laura Parker Will Run for Astoria Mayor

The Clatsop County probation officer is one of four candidates vying for the position in the November 2026 election.

Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in City Hall

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Youth probation officer Laura Parker has entered the race for mayor of Astoria, seeking to succeed the incumbent mayor who is not running for reelection. The election is scheduled to take place in November 2026.

Why it matters

Parker is running for office with the goal of creating a city that her son would want to return to in the future. Her candidacy comes as the city continues to navigate local policy changes like the Shelter First initiative.

There are four candidates currently qualified for the mayoral race following the incumbent's decision not to seek reelection. The field is filing for the November 2026 contest to determine the city's next leader.

The players

Laura Parker

She is a candidate for mayor of Astoria and a youth probation officer for Clatsop County.

Sean Fitzpatrick

He is the incumbent mayor of Astoria who announced he is not seeking reelection.

The details

Parker is a seventh-generation Astoria resident who currently serves as a youth probation officer for Clatsop County. Her background includes an eight-year tenure on the library advisory board and personal history living in the nearby community of Knappa.

1999: Laura Parker graduated from Astoria High School.
Fall 2025: The Astoria Library renovation was completed.
July 15, 2026: The city of Astoria implemented its Shelter First initiative.
November 2026: The mayoral election is scheduled to occur.

Political Context

The race is unfolding against the backdrop of the city's recently implemented Shelter First initiative. Opponents may argue that the current approach to housing and public services requires a different strategic direction than the one currently established by the city.

Residents will be voting in the November 2026 election to select a new leader who will oversee municipal programs and future budget allocations. The outcome of this race will directly determine the administration responsible for managing ongoing city projects.

The takeaway

This election represents a transition period for Astoria as voters choose a successor to the outgoing incumbent. Residents should review the policy goals of the four candidates to understand how their priorities may affect future city services.