Jason Beebe

Prineville Mayor Rodney Jason Beebe will challenge U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz, R-Ontario, in the primary election for Oregon’s 2nd Congressional District seat, Beebe announced Tuesday.

Beebe, a Republican, said he’s vying for the seat to defend American values and constitutional rights, build a wall at the U.S.-Mexico border and promote economic prosperity.

In his announcement Tuesday, Beebe said Bentz, who he called a Republican-in-name-only incumbent, “has failed Oregon by continuing to vote with Democrats on key issues.”

He continued: “I will not vote for any bills that contain more than a few items, and only if those items pertain to that bill. It’s time to put America First!!!”

Beebe won Prineville’s mayoral seat in 2020, running unopposed after serving on the City Council for several years.

“With a deep-rooted belief in limited government, fiscal responsibility, and putting American interests first, Beebe aims to be the voice of the people who have felt overlooked by the current representation,” his announcement said.

The 2024 primary won’t be Beebe’s first bid for federal office. He unsuccessfully ran for U.S. Senate as a Republican in the 2022 primary in an attempt to unseat longtime incumbent Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon.

Oregon’s 2nd Congressional District encompasses 20 counties in Eastern Oregon including part of Deschutes County and all of Crook and Jefferson counties. Bentz has held the seat since 2021 following longtime Rep. Greg Walden, R-Hood River, who occupied the district for more than 20 years.

Tuesday marked the beginning of Beebe’s candidacy, but, as of Wednesday, he had yet to file a committee with the Federal Election Commission, which tracks campaign finances. According to his website, B

eebe will officially launch his campaign, Beebe for Oregon, on Jan. 3, which will be followed by a meet and greet in Harney County on Jan. 5.