Council Candidate Faced Housing Struggles in Eugene
Ward 5 candidate Athena Aguiar has relied on short-term rentals amid her campaign for city council.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Elections
Live Poll
Do rising local housing costs make it harder for average citizens to run for office?
Eugene City Council candidate Athena Aguiar is navigating housing instability as she prepares for a November runoff election against five-term incumbent Mike Clark. Aguiar has relied on month-to-month Airbnb rentals and stays with friends while campaigning for the Ward 5 seat.
Why it matters
The situation highlights the personal impact of the city's housing affordability crisis on those seeking local office. Aguiar, who earns $22 per hour, cites the difficulty of meeting rental earnings requirements as she campaigns to represent Eugene residents.
Aguiar, 25, has raised more than $40,000 in campaign contributions and earns $22 per hour as a canvasser. Election law requires candidates to maintain residency within their ward to remain eligible for the seat.
The players
Athena Aguiar
She is the 25-year-old candidate running for the Eugene City Council Ward 5 seat.
Mike Clark
He is the five-term incumbent city council member currently holding the Ward 5 seat.
The details
Aguiar has struggled with local apartment rental income requirements, leading her to rely on temporary living arrangements since moving to Eugene in 2016. She faces a runoff election on November 3 after failing to clear the 50% vote threshold in the May primary.
Timeline
Athena Aguiar first moved to Eugene in 2016.
Aguiar received the second-most votes in the primary in May 2026.
The city council runoff election is scheduled for November 3, 2026.
Political Context
Supporters of incumbent Mike Clark may emphasize his five terms of experience as a stabilizing force for Ward 5. Conversely, opponents of strict residency requirements often argue that such laws can create barriers for younger or lower-income residents seeking to serve on the city council.
The race impacts local voters by highlighting the practical realities of the housing market in Eugene. Residents evaluating the candidates must weigh the personal experiences of the runners against the established legislative experience of the incumbent.
The takeaway
Aguiar's campaign underscores how the cost of living can shape the demographics of local political representation. Her experience serves as a reminder that housing affordability remains a central issue impacting both residents and those attempting to enter public service.
Further reading
For more on the upcoming contest, visit our Elections coverage.
Live Poll
Do rising local housing costs make it harder for average citizens to run for office?
