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Bio
Short version
Jonathan Curtis is a candidate for Deschutes County Clerk in the November 3, 2026 election. He grew up in Central Oregon and lives in Bend. A former wildland firefighter, he has worked in construction and property management and runs his own small businesses. He ran for Bend City Council in 2024.
Longer version
Jonathan Curtis grew up in Central Oregon. At 19 he experienced homelessness, which shaped his interest in housing and in making public services easier to use. He went from Job Corps to the fireline as a wildland firefighter and led crew physical training on Engine 335.
He later worked in construction and property management, handling maintenance, repairs and move-ins, running resident events, and connecting residents with local assistance programs. Today he runs his own small businesses and helps Central Oregon business owners move from hard-money loans to traditional lines of credit. He ran for Bend City Council in 2024.
As a candidate for Deschutes County Clerk, he is focused on secure and transparent elections, easier digital access to public records and licensing, and clear, responsive communication with residents.
Fast facts
- Running for Deschutes County Clerk (nonpartisan)
- Election November 3, 2026
- On the ballot Jonathan Curtis and current Clerk Steve Dennison
- Hometown Bend, Oregon
- Website votejonathancurtis.com
What Jon would do as Clerk
- Ballot processing on camera and online, with observers welcome from every party and from no party.
- A plain-language count after every election: how many ballots came in, how many were counted, and why any were set aside.
- Hand-count audits that are easy to follow, with results posted publicly.
- No voter made inactive over a signature without a phone call, a text and an email first.
- Ballot packets tracked from the printer to the mailbox, with fast, simple replacements.
- A public plan and finish date for every county audit recommendation, and confidential access for the county auditor to review vote-counting security.
Background with sources: what the county's auditor found · the 2026 Clerk race · how to vote in Deschutes County
Contact Jon
Interview requests, questions or fact checks. I read every message.