Grants Pass community advocate Cobey Giesler has formally launched his bid for the Oregon State House of Representatives, District 3, offering voters in Southern Oregon a choice outside the traditional two-party structure. His campaign, announced September 26, positions him as a non-affiliated candidate determined to emphasize local solutions over partisan battles.
Giesler, a father of three and the son of an Army veteran, is best known for his work on behalf of youth in Oregon’s foster care system. His lived experience within that system, combined with years of advocacy at local, state, and federal levels, has shaped his campaign platform. He argues that policy should be informed not only by data and budget priorities, but also by the perspectives of those most directly affected.
Central to his candidacy is a pledge to reform Oregon’s foster care system, which he describes as costly, inefficient, and too often a pipeline into homelessness. Citing statistics that nearly half of newly homeless individuals have ties to foster care, Giesler says his focus will be on prevention, efficiency, and stronger support for youth transitioning to independence. His leadership with FosterClub and work as a peer navigator for young adults leaving foster care reflect a career already deeply rooted in these issues.
Beyond foster care, his campaign touches on several challenges that have long shaped Southern Oregon politics. He has promised to resist legislation that could weaken protections for children, including controversial bills debated in Salem in recent years. Addiction and recovery services also feature prominently in his platform. Giesler contends that Oregon has underutilized marijuana tax revenue and vows to redirect more of those funds to local treatment programs. In his view, investing in recovery not only supports individuals but strengthens public safety and reduces long-term costs.
Housing and infrastructure are other priorities. Giesler calls for easing zoning restrictions, cutting unnecessary regulations that slow building, and offering more support for first-time buyers. He also wants the Oregon Department of Transportation to prioritize repairing unsafe roads rather than pursuing what he characterizes as “wasteful projects” that drive up state debt.
Transparency and accountability in government round out his platform. Giesler stresses the importance of making government processes more open and understandable, ensuring that residents feel represented rather than alienated from policymaking. His emphasis on small donations and grassroots support underscores that theme. He argues that financial independence from large donors will allow him to remain focused on the needs of constituents rather than the demands of party leadership or outside interests.
Politically, Giesler is not without experience. He worked as a campaign manager and field director for a state senate campaign in 2024, a race that engaged thousands of new voters. He also brings experience in business management and customer service, which he frames as evidence of his ability to balance budgets, work with diverse groups, and find practical solutions.
For voters in District 3, Giesler’s candidacy highlights a broader conversation about the role of non-affiliated candidates in Oregon politics. At a time when distrust of political institutions is high, his run represents an experiment in local representation divorced from traditional party structures. Whether his message resonates widely enough to secure a seat in Salem remains to be seen, but his entry into the race adds a distinct voice to the choices facing Southern Oregon voters in 2026.