Jennifer Townsend will become Madras's next mayor after finishing the November 3 general election with more than 57 percent of the vote — a margin that has only grown as Jefferson County clerks work through the final ballot count ahead of the state's December certification deadline.
With all precincts reporting, Townsend collected 1,023 votes (57.41%) to challenger Travis Montgomery's 743 votes (41.69%), according to results posted by the Oregon Secretary of State. A small share of write-in ballots accounted for the remainder.
A New Chapter at City Hall
Townsend will succeed Mayor Mike Lepin, who chose not to seek re-election after his term. Lepin has served the city through a period of significant budget challenges, infrastructure projects, and the high-profile closure of the Initiative Brewing development — a city-backed investment that left Madras holding a $1.2 million loss after the brewery shut its doors in July.
Both Townsend and Montgomery campaigned on reining in city spending and finding humane solutions for Madras's homeless population. Townsend's clear victory gives her a strong mandate entering a city council that will face tough budget decisions in the coming months. City Hall has not yet announced a specific inauguration date, but Townsend is expected to be sworn in and begin serving before the end of the year.
Jail Levy Renewal Passes
Jefferson County voters also approved a five-year renewal of the jail operations levy, with 56.6% voting yes. The levy — set at $1.69 per $1,000 of assessed value — funds day-to-day operations and maintenance of the Jefferson County Jail.
Without renewal, the levy would have expired at the end of Fiscal Year 2026-27, leaving the county to either absorb jail costs into an already stretched general fund or dramatically scale back operations. Sheriff Jason Pollock had advocated for renewal throughout the summer, noting that the jail levy is essential to maintaining adequate staffing and facility upkeep.
The levy renewal was first approved by voters in 2021 and has since been the primary funding mechanism keeping the Jefferson County Jail operational without deeper cuts to other county services.
What Comes Next
Jefferson County Clerk's office has until December 3 to certify the November 3 results under Oregon state law. Full certified totals — including all down-ballot races and any statewide measures — will be published at that time.
For Madras residents, the transition of mayoral leadership is expected to be smooth. Townsend has said she plans to meet with city staff and council members during the transition period to get up to speed on pending budget and infrastructure issues before taking the oath of office.