QuickTake:

The Springfield Ward 3 councilor is running for the Oregon House of Representatives district that includes all of Springfield. Representative John Lively, who currently has the seat, is retiring.

Kori Rodley, city councilor for Springfield Ward 3, launched her campaign Thursday, Sept. 11, for Oregon’s House of Representatives to replace John Lively, who is retiring. 

Lively, 78, who was elected to the seat in 2022, told Lookout Eugene-Springfield on Thursday he is retiring at the end of this two-year term representing House District 7. 

Thursday was the first day that candidates could file with the Oregon Secretary of State to run in the May 19, 2026, primary election. 

Rodley, a Democrat, is in her second term on the Springfield City Council. She has chaired the Springfield Economic Development Agency, the county’s Human Services Commission and the city’s Legislative Committee, as well as serving on the Fire Governance and Emergency Medical Services task forces. 

Rodley works on the management team for Lane County Developmental Disabilities Services, according to a press release announcing her House bid. She has also worked at United Way of Lane County and Junction City Local Aid. 

The release states she has been endorsed by Lane County Commissioners Laurie Trieger and Heather Buch, fellow Springfield city councilor Steve Moe, Representative Lisa Fragala and U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle (D-Oregon), among other community members. 

Her candidate filing states she studied English, planning, public policy and management at the University of Oregon. She graduated from Roseburg High School. 

“Raising my children as a working parent informs my belief in the need to invest in livable neighborhoods and strong communities, with a focus on affordable, accessible housing,” Rodley said in the press release. “We have to tackle the cost of living in Springfield for our seniors and working families.”

Lively, a Democrat, said his colleagues in the legislature knew he would be retiring. 

Next year marks 14 years he has served in the legislature. He represented the state’s 12th district from 2012 to 2022. 

“I just think that’s long enough,” Lively said. “The younger generation needs opportunities to serve, and I’m all in favor of that.”