Bend Voters to Elect Mayor on November 3
Incumbent Melanie Kebler faces challenger Bernadette Strome in the upcoming race for a four-year mayoral term.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in City Hall
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Bend residents will head to the polls on November 3 to decide between incumbent Melanie Kebler and challenger Bernadette Strome. The winner of the contest will serve a four-year term as mayor of the city.
Why it matters
The outcome of this election will determine city leadership as Bend manages rapid population growth and oversees a budget of 841.62 full-time equivalent positions.
The city maintains a staff of 841.62 full-time equivalent positions, allocated as 39% public safety, 28% infrastructure, 19% administration, and 14% community development. The unsheltered population in Bend dropped 19% during the current mayoral term.
The players
Melanie Kebler
She is the incumbent mayor of Bend who was first elected to the position in 2022.
Bernadette Strome
She is a candidate competing against the incumbent in the upcoming mayoral election.
The details
Candidates Melanie Kebler and Bernadette Strome are campaigning to lead a city that has seen a population increase of roughly 1,500 people since 2024. The city continues to manage its development through a formal budget process and maintains an online database to track transportation bond expenditures.
Timeline
2020-2022: Melanie Kebler served as a city councilor.
2022: Melanie Kebler was first elected mayor.
2024-2025: Bend population increased by roughly 1,500.
November 3: The date of the Bend mayoral election.
Political Context
The race in Bend follows the administrative guidelines set by the Oregon Revised Statutes regarding municipal elections. Opponents have frequently raised concerns regarding the city's approach to local infrastructure spending and the management of municipal staffing levels.
The outcome will directly impact local tax allocation and the management of future city infrastructure projects. Residents should prepare for potential shifts in municipal service priorities based on which candidate is elected to the four-year term.
The takeaway
Voters will determine the executive direction of Bend's municipal government for the next four years in the November 3 contest. It is essential for residents to review the specific budgetary platforms of both candidates to understand how their vote affects local city services.
Further reading
For more information on the local government, visit the City Hall section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Bulletin.
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