The electoral outcomes for Salem Mayor, Salem City Council, and Polk County Commissioners will play a pivotal role in sculpting policies and regulations that can stimulate economic stability and growth locally in Salem, tackle the considerable economic challenges ahead, and establish lasting economic viability and resilience. For these reasons, the Salem Chamber chooses to engage in local elections and the candidate endorsement process.
We have many great candidates running for office, and Salem is extremely fortunate to have each of these individuals place their name on the ballot.
To learn more about each candidate, please review their Salem Chamber Candidate Questionnaire Responses and the Salem Chamber’s Endorsement Statements!
The Salem Chamber has endorsed the following candidates for the upcoming May 19, 2026, election:
City of Salem Mayor
Salem Mayoral Candidates:
Mayor Julie Hoy (incumbent) – Salem Chamber Endorsement
Councilor Vanessa Nordyke
Salem City Council
Ward 2 Candidates:
Council President Linda Nishioka (incumbent)
Candidate Manny Martinez – Salem Chamber Endorsement
Ward 4 Candidates:
Councilor Deanna Gwyn (incumbent) – Salem Chamber Endorsement
Candidate Dave Inbody
Ward 6 Candidates:
Councilor Mai Vang (incumbent)
Candidate Betsy Vega – Salem Chamber Endorsement
Ward 8 Candidates:
Councilor Micki Varney (incumbent)
Candidate Chris Cummings – Salem Chamber Endorsement
Polk County Commissioner
Position 2 Candidates:
Candidate John Swanson – Salem Chamber Endorsement
Councilor Roxanne Beltz
Position 3 Candidates:
Commissioner Jeremy Gordon (incumbent) – Salem Chamber Endorsement
Councilor Carlos Barrientos
Treasurer Steve Milligan
Candidate Mark Adams
Our organization is excited to continue developing relationships with all of these candidates and we will work with whoever is elected to advocate on behalf of Salem’s small business community.
