Ashland Democrat said federal actions during Trump’s second term are harming Oregonians and driving his decision to run again for state senate
Ashland.news staff report
Oregon State Sen. Jeff Golden, an Ashland Democrat, announced Monday, Dec. 1, that he will seek a third term representing Senate District 3.
In a Monday press release, Golden said the current political climate amid President Donald Trump’s second term compels him to make a bid for re-election. He has held the seat in the Oregon State Senate since 2019 and winning election in 2018 and reelection in 2022.
Golden wrote that federal decisions related to food assistance, healthcare, and economic opportunities have hurt Oregonians. He cited cuts to community food bank support, efforts to block the restoration of SNAP benefits, and federal attempts to reduce Medicaid and Affordable Care Act protections.
He said he has long been guided by a Helen Keller quote about doing what one can with the ability they have. That principle, he wrote, is motivating his decision to run again.
“Retiring in the midst of this ongoing threat would be the exact opposite of doing what I can do,” Golden said.
Golden also pointed out that the cancellation of renewable-energy contracts and grants by the Trump administration has halted job growth in rural areas.
He also took aim at Trump’s characterization of Portland as “war-ravaged” and the president’s threats of military occupation. He said the president’s harassment of brown Oregonians is “arguably unconstitutional” and has left them fearful of leaving their homes.
Golden said state legislatures across the country are becoming an increasingly important counterbalance to the Trump administration. He argued that Republican lawmakers have not pushed back against federal actions and noted that early comments from his GOP challenger suggest the dynamic will not change.
Golden said he wants to continue work on several state-level priorities. As chair of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Wildfire, he plans to expand programs that help property owners reduce wildfire risk and secure insurance. He also intends to pursue permanent funding for the Oregon Conservation Corps, a youth workforce program created in 2021.
Golden said he would continue to push for changes that foster citizen engagement and reduce mistrust in government. One example, he said, is reforming Oregon’s primary system so that non-affiliated voters can vote for candidates they support.
He also reiterated his opposition to federal tax policies he believes favor wealthy Americans, saying he will push for tax changes “designed to lighten the load on Oregon working families that are barely scraping by.”
Brad Hicks, former chief executive of the Chamber of Medford Jackson County, in October officially announced his candidacy for the Oregon State Senate seat currently held by Golden.
The primary election is set for May 19 and general election for Nov. 3, 2026.
Email Ashland.news associate editor Steve Mitchell at [email protected].
Related story: Former Medford Chamber CEO Brad Hicks formally launched Oregon Senate bid Thursday (Oct. 16, 2025)
