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Amanda Staehely

RepublicanFirst-time candidate

Farmer and small business owner

Amanda Staehely is a Republican candidate for Oregon House of Representatives District 18 in the 2026 election. This is their first run for office.

From the candidate’s public filings

Background

Amanda Staehely earned a high school diploma from Canby High School. Her career experience includes working as a farmer and small business owner.[1]

High school:
Canby High School

In their own words

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Amanda Staehely is a born and raised Oregonian. She grew up in a farming family and her husband and her currently own a nursery west of Molalla. She has spent the last decade in leadership throughout the nursery industry as well as advocating for agriculture/farming. Amanda has served on many committees and boards throughout the Oregon Association of Nurseries (OAN) including being President in 2023 of the statewide organization representing more than 700 members in Oregon’s $1.3 billion nursery industry—the state’s largest agricultural commodity.

She has worked closely with state and federal leaders to advocate for farmers and small businesses, speaking with state legislators, the Governor’s office, and federal officials in Washington, D.C., including the USDA and members of Congress on issues such as the Farm Bill and the future of American agriculture.

Amanda currently serves on the Oregon Department of Agriculture’s Rules Advisory Committee and is a member of the 2026 HRI Leadership Academy. In 2025, she represented Oregon agriculture on a gubernatorial trade mission to South Korea and Japan.

Outside of her work in agriculture, Amanda teaches and directs ballet for young students at a local dance studio.

Amanda and Wayne live near Molalla with their three children: Luke, Emma, and Grant.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

SUPPORT A BUSINESS-FRIENDLY OREGON

When business thrives, families and communities do too. Oregon legislation is attacking small businesses at every opportunity, making it harder for them to stay alive and provide good-paying jobs that families rely on. I’ll fight to cut red tape and stop the state from strangling us with fees and mandates at every corner. Excessive regulations and taxes have limited growth and drive hardworking individuals and businesses out of our state. Oregon’s leadership continues to impose policies that clash with the realities of a market-based economy.

I will:

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Cut red tape

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Work to lower state income tax

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Pursue policies that promote entrepreneurship

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Oppose the CAT tax and other hidden sales taxesADVOCATE FOR FAMILY FARMS

Our local farms are the foundation and heartbeat of this district—yet they are struggling and too many of them are disappearing. I have extensive experience advocating for agriculture. Oregon’s “war on agriculture” hits my farm and affects my family just like many of you. I am living with the consequences of poor legislation and overreaching regulations. This is why I began advocating for agriculture and why I will continue to do so. A person with real life knowledge of the unique needs of Oregon farms needs to be a part of the decision-making down in Salem.AFFORDABILITY FOR FAMILIES

As I speak with people in this district I ask them a simple question; “Are things affordable right now?” The answer is a resounding “no!” The cost of everything is too high right now. Groceries, gas, rent; our affordability issues in Oregon are a direct result of decades of legislation from out-of-touch politicians. The affordability crisis needs to be addressed, and communities need to see their taxes supporting real improvements and needs within their communities.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Government Spending-Salem has developed a nasty habit of solving their problems with taxes. Oregon has the funds; it doesn’t need your money. We must get our priorities straight; I will not support additional taxes.

Water Rights — I will fight to reopen water rights applications. I know firsthand how detrimental water restrictions are for Oregon farms. Being able to purchase water rights is critical for growth.

Ag Overtime — The clock is ticking. In January 2027, agricultural overtime will fully phase in at 40 hours. We have less than a year to act before this policy takes hold and decimates our agricultural industry. I have spent years advocating for this issue and will continue to do so.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Ag PAC

Al's Garden and Home

Coleman Ranch

Dairy Farmers od Oregon

Delbert Haener

Drakes Crossing

Gary Simon

Hupp Farms

Marion Ag Services

Mayor Sean Drinkwine, Estacada

Melanie Miller-Gonzalez

Montecucco Farms

Oregon Nurseries PAC

Oregon Right to Life

Simnitt Nursery

Todd Nelson-Bountiful Farms

Tom Wimmer-Marion Ag Services

Western Evergreen

On the 2026 ballot

Links

Compiled from the candidate’s published profile as of September 30, 2026.

Source(opens in new tab)
Amanda Staehely — Oregon House of Representatives District 18 candidate, 2026 | True Vote