Armitage will be a pragmatic, independent problem solver for the rural North Coast.
St. Helens, OR—Yesterday, February 18, 2026, former State Senator Rachel Armitage (D—St. Helens), filed to run for the seat she previously held in 2022.
“I hear it over and over from the people of this district: they feel like they’re on their own, and that no one is really looking out for them. I’m here to change that. Senate District 16 deserves the best: affordable housing and health care, family-wage jobs, good schools, and a government that works for everyone.”
Armitage is a longtime Columbia County resident. During her time in Salem Armitage secured funding for crucial infrastructure projects, including $2 million for a courthouse renovation. Armitage then worked at the Oregon Community Foundation as the North Coast Program Officer, where she collaborated closely with community leaders and organizations to address challenges facing Tillamook, Clatsop, and Columbia counties. Armitage says that in addition to her prior legislative work, strong relationships across the district make her the most qualified candidate to cut through partisan divides and get results for the North Coast in Salem.
“These are challenging times for our district and our state. I’m not here just to talk or play games. I’m focused on solving real problems and making life better for everyone on the North Coast.”
Armitage was appointed and served for the remainder of former State Senator Betsy Johnson’s term in 2022. She will seek her party’s nomination in the May primary to appear on the November ballot.
For more information see her social media page https://www.facebook.com/rachelfororegon