Our Town
by James Day
State Rep. Rick Lewis is retiring from his House District 18 seat, leaving the field wide open with no incumbent.
Lewis, a Republican from Silverton who was appointed to the seat in 2017 and elected four times from 2018 through 2024, said he made the decision not to seek a new term last fall and announced it officially in February in his district newsletter.
In a statement emailed to Our Town, Lewis said “it has been a distinct honor to serve the citizens of District 18 and I am looking forward to spending time with family and doing a little traveling while we are still able to do so. I want to thank my wife Pat and my children for their strong support through the many years of public service. And thank you to the citizens of House District 18 for allowing me to serve you.”
In addition to his tenure in the Legislature, Lewis served as Silverton Police chief, city manager and mayor.
Five Republican candidates have come forward in a bid to replace him. No Democrat submitted papers for the seat.
The district covers portions of Marion and Clackamas counties, including Silverton, Mount Angel, Scotts Mills, Aurora, Hubbard and Molalla as well as parts of Salem and Woodburn. Here, in alphabetical order, is a look at the candidates who have filed for the May 19 primary.
Amanda Staehely
Staehely grew up on a farm outside Canby and along with her husband currently runs a wholesale nursery near Molalla. She has served as president of the Oregon Association of Nurseries; her tenure included testifying in Washington D.C. on farm legislation. A former ballerina with Oregon Ballet Theatre, she still teaches the art.
“I have always wanted to run at some point, but knew the timing needed to be right,” Staehely said in an email exchange with Our Town. “Some of my major issues that prompted me to run are the rules and regulations on small businesses and farmers, affordability for families, supporting local law enforcement, and steering Oregon away from its current path.”
Regarding her advocacy nationally, Staehely noted that she “was asked by White House staff and the USDA to visit and discuss the needs of family farms and the future of agriculture. I have advocated numerous times for agriculture and farming issues to our Congressional members as well as our legislators here in Salem. And I have had the opportunity to fight local issues hitting family farms here in the state and recently completed an agricultural trade mission to Asia. With all of this advocacy and leadership work, I still felt that we needed more representation ‘at the table’ in Salem.”
Staehely added “I have a larger desire than just casting the ‘right vote.’ My biggest goal is to be a strong voice for small businesses, the agricultural community, and families in this district. Having a voice there every day to educate other legislators on how their policies directly affect our businesses will be the biggest impact. We need to turn Oregon around from the direction it is heading. This isn’t an overnight goal. It is going to take hard work, strong leadership, and a lot of energy to fight for what this district deserves
“Salem is a challenge right now, but I see it as the perfect challenge and one I am ready for.”