We’re chugging along to the finish line of the election: Tuesday, May 19. 

Like the candidates, we’re staying busy, but with a couple differences: We aren’t kissing babies at political events, asking for your votes or begging for campaign contributions. 

We just ask that you read our stories, stay engaged with the community and, of course, get out and put your ballot in a drop box before the 8 p.m. Tuesday deadline. (If you need to mail your ballot, election officials advise that you get a manual postmark on your ballot envelope.)

We’ve been profiling candidates, inviting them to speak in forums and, this past week, we’ve been tracking their campaign donations. Find all of our 2026 election coverage here. While it is true that we always encourage Lookout Eugene-Springfield readers to sign up for memberships, we also have made all of our election coverage free — and that includes our election night coverage.

Here’s a roundup of our latest: 

Timber money: The timber industry and others are pouring money into the effort to defeat the proposed Lane County Watersheds Bill of Rights. 

Lane County commissioner races: We have a roundup of campaign donations to candidates running for three county commissioner seats. Two candidates — both currently commissioners — were questioned during a board meeting last week about some of their donations, coincidentally. 

EWEB money race: Here’s a look at the money raised by two candidates for the at-large seat on the Eugene Water & Electric Board.

AI in your Voters’ Pamphlet: Artificial intelligence did not write this newsletter; our journalists did. At least a few of the arguments in your Voters’ Pamphlet, however, are a different matter. Here’s a look at how a software engineer’s work played a role. 

Starting Tuesday, we’ll be tracking race outcomes as results come in after 8 p.m. and keeping you up to date on the latest. If you’re ready for a break after you vote, pull up a chair, take it easy and keep your eye out for results.

Trash trouble, old growth logging dispute and the doctor is out

Even while we track campaigns and elections, plenty of other public policy news is unfolding in Lane County. 

Among the stories:

Recycling and trash trouble: We have a deep dive into Lane County’s troubled CleanLane project, which faces challenges on multiple fronts after failed efforts to get a special use permit.

Logging legal battle: A federal judge halted work at a timber operation amid an old-growth logging dispute. 

The doctor is out: Dr. Jim McGovern, the embattled PeaceHealth executive, is out of a job after controversy and staff turmoil following his handling of an emergency services contract.

— Ben Botkin

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Inside Eugene City hall with Grace chinowsky

One day away from the election, here’s where Eugene City Council candidates stand with campaign cash on hand, as of Sunday, and total campaign spending in the year 2026, according to state campaign finance records. 

Ward 3: 

  • John Barofsky: Cash on hand: $14,915 | Spending: $49,841
  • Jennifer Smith: Cash on hand: $12,019 | Spending: $15,213

Ward 4: 

  • Jennifer Yeh: Cash on hand: $1,082 | Spending: $4,982
  • Tom Stedman: N/A (did not formally fundraise)

Ward 5: 

  • Mike Clark: Cash on hand: $12,886 | Spending: $20,403
  • Athena Aguiar: Cash on hand: $4,825  | Spending: $18,021
  • Jasmine Hatmaker: Cash on hand: $1,868 | Spending: $12,296

Ward 6:

  • Greg Evans: Cash on hand: $13,071 | Spending: $43,090
  • Tai Pruce-Zimmerman: Cash on hand: $547 | Spending: $7,903

Curious what candidates are up to on Election Night? Some plan to watch results roll in at the Democratic Party of Lane County’s party at Claim 52. Others are gathering for a more low-key get-together at Beppe & Gianni’s.

Checking in on Springfield With lillian Schrock-Clevenger

Springfield House District race: Check out the different fundraising styles in the Democratic primary race for the Oregon House of Representatives District 7 seat.

New sports facility: Springfield councilors last week heard from Travel Lane County about a potential new indoor multisport facility intended to drive tourism with regional sports tournaments. While a site has yet to be chosen, a Springfield location is under consideration.

Stabilization center: The Springfield City Council this evening will hear testimony about an annexation request from Lane County and PeaceHealth for property on International Way, where a crisis stabilization center and behavioral health hospital are proposed.

beyond lane county

Tax changes ahead? Gov. Tina Kotek’s Prosperity Council has a draft report of ideas that the Oregon Journalism Project got its hands on. Those ideas include a possible sales tax and other changes.

Overdose deaths down: Drug overdose deaths have declined for a second year, the Oregon Capital Chronicle reports.

Slow housing growth: The Oregon Journalism Project has a look at the slow rate of housing growth.

Public Meetings this week

Monday

  • The Springfield City Council and Lane County Board of Commissioners will hold a joint public hearing at 6 p.m. on amendments to the Springfield Development Code to facilitate construction of a new water treatment plant.
  • The Springfield City Council will hold a regular meeting at 7 p.m. for a public hearing on annexation of property for a crisis stabilization center and behavioral health hospital, among other items. 
  • The Eugene City Council will meet for a work session at 5:30 p.m. An update of the city’s Urban Growth Strategies project and the Vision Zero initiative is on the agenda. 

Tuesday 

  • The Lane County commissioners will meet at 9 a.m. Tuesday. 
  • The Springfield History Museum Advisory Committee will meet at 5:30 p.m.
  • The Eugene Human Rights Commission will meet at 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday

Do you have story ideas or tips? Send them our way — ben@lookoutlocal.com | grace@lookoutlocal.com | lilliansc@lookoutlocal.com

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Ben Botkin covers politics and policy in Lane County. He has worked as a journalist since 2003, most recently at the Oregon Capital Chronicle, where he covered justice, health and human services and documented regional efforts to combat fentanyl addiction. Botkin has worked in statehouses in Idaho, Nevada, Oklahoma and, of course, Oregon. When he's not working, you'll find him road tripping across the West, hiking or surfing along the Oregon Coast.

Grace Chinowsky graduated from The George Washington University with a degree in journalism. She served as editor-in-chief of the university’s independent student newspaper, The GW Hatchet, and interned at CNN and MSNBC. Grace covers Eugene’s city government and the University of Oregon.