State Sen. Deborah Patterson is running for reelection to Oregon Senate District 10 in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.

Patterson, who is certified for the ballot under the Working Families Party and Democratic labels, faces Angela Plowhead, running as a Libertarian and Republican, according to BallotReady election data. The race is contested.

On her Oregon Legislature page, Patterson said her 2026 session priorities focused on health care, housing, hunger and human rights. She said she passed bills to support health, dignity and safety for Oregonians and worked to make life more affordable for families.

Candidate information

  • Office sought: Oregon State Senate, District 10
  • Party: Working Families Party / Democratic
  • Election date: Nov. 3, 2026
  • Education: Bachelor's in music education, Yankton College (1978); master's in religious studies, Eden Theological Seminary (1991); master's in healthcare administration, Washington University-St. Louis (1997); doctorate in religious studies, Eden Theological Seminary (2007)

Experience and public service

Patterson has served as senator for District 10 since 2021, according to BallotReady.

Before entering the Legislature, Patterson served as clergy in the United Church of Christ, according to BallotReady. She was clergy at Smyrna United Church of Christ from 2013 to 2021.

She served as executive director of the International Parish Nurse Resource Center/Deaconess Parish Nurse Ministries from 2001 to 2010. She also served as vice president for program at Deaconess Foundation from 1997 to 2001 and executive director of Northwest Parish Nurse Ministries from 2011 to 2013, according to BallotReady.

On the issues

Health care: Patterson said on her campaign website that health care is a human right. She said she will continue to fight to ensure every Oregonian receives care when they need it, including life-saving medication, preventive care and reproductive services.

Housing and homelessness: Patterson said she is committed to supporting legislation that confronts the housing problem. Addressing homelessness requires more than shelter, she said, calling for access to mental health care, addiction recovery services and long-term housing solutions.

Economy: Patterson said a strong Oregon economy must work for everyone. That means supporting small businesses, protecting the right to unionize and making essential services such as childcare, health care and housing affordable, she said.

Gun safety: Patterson said she respects the Second Amendment and comes from a family of responsible gun owners. She said she supports universal background checks and safe storage laws.

Environment: Patterson said on her campaign website she supported legislation to bring Oregon to 100% clean energy by 2030. She called climate change the most pressing issue facing the world.

Endorsements

BallotReady lists endorsements for Patterson from the AFL-CIO, Working Families Party, Oregon Working Families Party, Oregon Education Association, Oregon Nurses Association, Oregon League of Conservation Voters, Pineros Y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste, LiUNA! Oregon and Southern Idaho District Council, and Pacific Northwest Regional Council of Carpenters.

The Cherry City Chronicle candidate questionnaire was sent to Deb Patterson's campaign. No response was received as of Oct. 12, 2026. The policy positions below are drawn from her public campaign website and public records.