IS THIS A DÉJÀ VU ELECTION??

Years ago, a sitting Baker County Commission Chair (Fred Warner, Jr.) switched his political party affiliation from Democrat to Republican while seeking reelection. When voters realized what had taken place, they cast their ballots for the challenger, who won the election and served for the next eight years.

The 2026 County Commission Chair runoff may see a twist of that history repeat itself. One of the current candidates has ties to, and major support from, that same former Chair who lost. Beyond that, the former Chair’s younger brother, Chris Warner, is now Chief of Staff to Democratic Governor Tina Kotek.

Much effort is being spent to keep this information from the voters of Baker County, who want to know that the next County Chair will represent everyone with integrity and fairness, free of influence from special interests. As mentioned in a previous election article, the placement of campaign signs throughout Baker County tells a story. (Information to consider.)

Nonpartisan status is expected in this race, but it can rarely be achieved when voters still wonder who the candidates really are, what they base their judgments on, and whether their life experience is enough to carry out the duties and produce outcomes that benefit Baker County.

At election time, we can only assume that candidates are who we believe they are, based on letters of support, family connections, and other secondhand sources. In today’s world, it is increasingly difficult to know where a candidate’s sympathies lie, especially after several decades of social curriculum in our schools.

After the Baker County election history mentioned above, it is clear that party affiliation tells voters more than the nonpartisan approach does. What candidates and political parties stand for must be out in the open for public scrutiny and discernment. Whether it is deemed good or bad, clear information should be a basic requirement, so voters can decide without wonder or confusion. Then critical thinking and sound decisions become attainable.

Transparency matters. Political connections matter. Most importantly, informed voters matter. Baker County deserves leadership that puts citizens first. Kody Justus deserves our vote.

Baker County Oregon Republican Central Committee, bakercountyoregongop.com

From Baker City Herald, June 2, 2026:

Chris Warner, who grew up in Baker Valley and graduated from Baker High School in 1981, has been named interim director of the Oregon Department of Transportation, a temporary position, effective June 30. Warner, who has been chief of staff for Gov. Tina Kotek since March 2024, will replace Lisa Sumption, who has served as ODOT’s interim director since Jan. 2, when director Kris Stickler left the job. Sumption will return to the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, where she previously worked as the agency’s director. Emerald Bogue will replace Warner as the governor’s chief of staff. The state department of administrative services is conducting a national search for ODOT’s next director while Warner oversees the agency. “I’m grateful to Lisa and Chris for being willing to step in and serve the people of Oregon who depend on a safe and reliable transportation system,” Kotek said in a press release. “Their efforts allow the state to take the steps needed to find the best director for Oregon’s transportation future. Chris has the experience needed to keep the organization moving at this truly critical juncture. He has my full confidence.” Before joining Kotek’s staff as deputy chief of staff of public administration, Warner had multiple public sector jobs, including director of the Portland Bureau of Transportation, transportation advisor for former Gov. Ted Kulongoski, and chief of staff for Sen. Ron Wyden. Warner is the younger brother of Fred Warner Jr., former chairman of the Baker County Board of Commissioners and Baker City manager. Chris Warner earned a bachelor of science degree in journalism from the University of Oregon in 1985.