John Swanson, Chief of Staff to state Sen. Bruce Starr (R-Dundee) and a small business owner, has announced his candidacy for Polk County Commissioner, Position 2. The seat is currently held by Commissioner Craig Pope, who has served since 2011 and was last re-elected in 2022. Pope has said he will not seek another term.
Polk County in Transition
Polk County, part of the Salem metropolitan area, has been among Oregon’s faster-growing communities in recent years. Its population climbed from about 87,000 in 2020 to more than 90,000 in 2024. While the county remains majority white, residents who identify as Hispanic or Latino now account for nearly 15% of the population, and other communities of color are also growing. Median household income was about $51,000 in 2020, with nearly 13% of residents living below the poverty line.
The county encompasses both urban areas, such as West Salem, and a large rural region. That mix of agricultural, suburban, and small-town communities has shaped local politics and will be central to debates in the 2026 commissioner race.
Swanson’s Background
Swanson has worked for Starr, managing legislative priorities and constituent services. He also directs the Leadership Fund, an organization that supports political balance in the state legislature. A resident of the Rickreall area, Swanson previously lived in West Salem. Outside of politics, he has volunteered as a youth coach with the YMCA and as a Cub Scout den leader in the Monmouth-Independence community. He is also active with Cultivate Community Church in Monmouth.
In his announcement, Swanson emphasized his commitment to visible, local service…