Sara Duncan is running as a Democrat for Marion County Commission Position 1 in the Nov. 3 general election. Kevin Cameron, a Republican, is also running for the seat.

Asked why she is seeking office, Duncan said in our questionnaire: "I'm running because I have never seen someone like me represented as a County Commissioner. I am an LGBTQIA+ disabled woman with a degree in biology who works for an immigrant rights organization during the day and sits on the local transit board of directors at night."

She added: "I have a vision for a commission that works hand in hand with other state and local governments, non-profits, unions, and small businesses. I want Marion County to be a place everyone can belong."

Candidate information

Party: Duncan said in our questionnaire: "I am currently a registered Democrat, but I am also endorsed by the Independent, Working Families, and Progressive Parties of Oregon. Working across the aisle is something I pride myself on."

Education: Duncan said in our questionnaire: "I have a B.A. in Biology from Concordia University, and am a Blanchet Alumni."

Family: Duncan said in our questionnaire: "I live in Salem with my partner Allison, two cats, and a dog. I am close with my parents, my sister and my cousin. Living here since I was 5 allowed me to build a strong support of friends and family who all help keep me humble."

Experience and public service

Asked about her occupation and work history, Duncan said in our questionnaire: "I am the Development Manager for PCUN, Oregon's Latinx farm worker union. Previously, I served as the Communications Manager at Lifesource. … Before that, I coordinated a recycling program for the Mid-Valley Garbage and Recycling Association, where I taught youth about the importance of recycling."

Asked about previous offices, Duncan said in our questionnaire: "I am currently the Secretary of the Cherriots Board of Directors and the Chair of Cherriots' DEI Committee. I was an alternate on the SKATS policy committee for two years and was on the MWACT for a year."

On the issues

Asked about the critical differences between herself and her opponent, Duncan said in our questionnaire: "I am a 32 year old millennial who is tired of watching politicians make policy for a different decade. … Our commissioners keep throwing money at problems rather than admitting the policies we have been trying for the past 50 years aren't working from a lack of funding, they're bad policies."

Duncan listed several priorities on her campaign website. She said she supports a housing-first approach, stating she will "fight to increase access to affordable housing and focus on safe and well maintained housing units for residents." She also listed bridging the gap in mental health and chronic disease management after inpatient care, and education on preventable diseases.

Ballots go out across Marion County on Oct. 14.

Responses are based on public data and answers to a Surround Sound Media questionnaire if they were provided.