About Jonathan Curtis

Jonathan Curtis is a candidate for Deschutes County Clerk in the November 3, 2026 election. Former wildland firefighter, housing professional and small-business owner from Bend, Oregon.

Jonathan Curtis, candidate for Deschutes County Clerk

The path here

  1. RootsGrew up in Central Oregon. This is home, and it is where he has built his work and his family.
  2. Job Corps → the firelineWildland firefighter. Went from Job Corps to the fireline and led physical training for his crew on Engine 335. Hard work, long days and looking out for each other.
  3. Building and housingConstruction and property management. Maintenance, repairs, move-ins, resident events, and connecting residents with assistance when they needed it.
  4. BusinessSmall-business owner. Runs his own local businesses and helps Central Oregon business owners move from costly hard-money loans to traditional lines of credit so they can grow.
  5. 2024Ran for Bend City Council. Stepped up to serve the city he grew up around.
  6. 2026Candidate for Deschutes County Clerk. Bringing a practical, people-first approach to elections and public records.

What drives him

Knowing what it's like

Jon experienced homelessness at 19. He worked his way back, and that experience is why he has spent years helping others find and keep stable housing.

Learning to be understood

After 19 years of speech therapy, Jon speaks up in public, meets voters face to face and runs for office. He doesn't quit when something is hard.

An independent Clerk

I am running as an independent. I was once registered as a Republican, and I am not a Democrat. I chose to stand apart from both parties because the County Clerk serves every voter equally.

Elections belong to the people, not to any party. As your Clerk, I will not take direction from any political party, I will not make decisions behind closed doors, and I will do this work openly, where every resident can see it.

Jonathan Curtis

His priorities for the Clerk's office

  1. Secure and transparent elections. Every voter should be able to trust how their ballot is handled and counted.
  2. Easier digital access. Public records and licensing that residents can reach online without the runaround.
  3. Clear, responsive communication. Straight answers for every resident, in plain language.

Priorities from his statement in the Deschutes County voters' pamphlet. Biographical details are Jonathan Curtis's own account.

Read his pledgeWhat the auditor foundHow to vote