A Grants Pass business owner and city councilor is seeking to bring what he describes as long-missing representation back to Southern Oregon.
Seth Benham announced this week that he will run for Oregon State Representative in House District 3, entering the 2026 Republican primary with a campaign centered on local advocacy, economic pressures, and public safety concerns. A Grants Pass native, Benham framed his candidacy as a response to what he says has been years of political neglect affecting Josephine County and surrounding communities.
“I was born and raised right here in Grants Pass. This is home,” Benham said in his announcement. “It’s where I’ve built my business, where I’m raising my family, and where I want to serve.”
Benham’s decision comes amid growing frustration among Southern Oregon residents over housing costs, business regulations, and what local leaders describe as a widening disconnect between rural communities and state policymakers in Salem. According to legislative analysis cited by Benham’s campaign, House District 3 has missed out on an estimated $5.8 million in funding and resources due to limited legislative activity by its current representative, including the absence of any bills submitted for the upcoming short session
“For too long, Josephine County has been ignored in Salem,” Benham said. “We send our tax dollars north, and we get nothing back.”
Benham currently serves on the Grants Pass City Council and brings experience from both public service and private enterprise. He owns and operates a local business and has been involved in several civic organizations, including Main Street Grants Pass, where he serves as chair. The organization focuses on downtown revitalization and small business support.
He also serves as vice president of the Southern Oregon Aspire Board of Directors, a nonprofit organization focused on supporting individuals with developmental disabilities through advocacy, community integration, and access to services that promote independence and quality of life. Benham has said his involvement with the organization has reinforced the importance of responsive public policy, particularly for families and individuals who rely on stable support systems and community-based resources.
His campaign message emphasizes what he describes as a practical, results-oriented approach rooted in local experience rather than partisan ambition. “I’m not running because I want a title,” Benham said. “I’m running because I see what’s happening to our community, and I know we can do better.”
Benham has outlined priorities that include reducing regulatory burdens on businesses, expanding affordable housing options, and strengthening public safety. He has argued that statewide policies often fail to account for the realities of rural communities, creating financial strain for cities and counties already operating with limited resources.
Drawing on his city council experience, Benham said he has witnessed firsthand how state mandates affect municipal budgets and local decision-making. “I’ve seen how one-size-fits-all regulations don’t work for rural communities, and how often our concerns fall on deaf ears,” he said.
Ideologically, Benham identifies as a constitutional conservative, supporting limited government, individual liberty, and personal responsibility. He has also stated his support for Second Amendment rights, opposition to abortion, and advocacy for parental rights in education. While these positions align with traditional conservative values, Benham has emphasized that his campaign will focus on policy outcomes rather than partisan conflict.
“I’m not interested in political games or scoring points,” he said. “I’m interested in results.”
The race for House District 3 is expected to draw increased attention as Southern Oregon voters continue to voice concerns about economic pressures, housing availability, and representation at the state level. Benham’s campaign positions him as a locally rooted candidate seeking to bridge what he sees as a growing divide between Salem and the communities it governs.
As the 2026 election cycle approaches, Benham’s candidacy adds a new dimension to the conversation about how effectively Southern Oregon’s interests are being represented in the Oregon Legislature, and whether voters are ready for a change in direction.