Mayor Mike Lepin has announced he will not seek reelection when his term expires at the end of 2026, the City of Madras confirmed last week. Lepin has served as Mayor since 2023.
His announcement opens the mayor’s seat for November competition for the first time in three years -- and comes at one of the more turbulent moments in recent Madras city history, with the city actively searching for a new City Administrator, police chief, and finance director while racing to finalize a budget before a June 30 deadline.
What Is on the November Ballot
Madras voters will see four elected city positions on the November 3 ballot:
- Mayor (one position) -- Two-year term, January 1, 2027 to December 31, 2028. Currently held by Lepin.
- City Council -- three positions -- Four-year terms, January 1, 2027 to December 31, 2030. Currently held by Mike Seibold and Cindy Brockett. One council seat is currently vacant.
All positions are volunteer and unpaid under Madras city charter.
Lepin’s Message to Potential Candidates
In a statement accompanying the announcement, Lepin encouraged Madras residents to consider stepping up.
"Strong communities depend on people who are willing to serve," Lepin said. "Whether you have lived in Madras for a few years or your entire life, your experience, perspective, and commitment to the community matter. I encourage residents who are interested in helping shape the future of Madras to learn more about serving as Mayor or City Councilor."
How to File
To be eligible, candidates must be qualified electors under Oregon law and must have lived within Madras city limits for at least one year immediately before the election. Interested candidates can find filing information at the City’s Election Information Center at madras.gov.
The November election will also feature county-level races including Commissioner Positions 1 and 2 and the Jefferson County Sheriff race between incumbent Jason Pollock and challenger Tyler Anderson.