Mayor Rich Mays to retire after third term; three candidates enter race to succeed him

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Jul 24

By Tom Peterson

The Dalles, Ore., July 24, 2026 — After more than 7½ years leading The Dalles, Mayor Rich Mays says he will not seek another term, ensuring the city will elect a new mayor for the first time since 2018.

Speaking with CCCNews on Thursday, Mays said he made a decision four years ago, shortly after winning his third term, and never wavered.

"… I made up my mind not to seek a fourth term as mayor unless an unexpected or drastic event occurred that would compel me to change my mind," Mays said. "Over that same period of time, nothing unexpected or drastic transpired to cause me to change my mind."

Mays' current term expires Dec. 31, with his successor taking office Jan. 1, 2027.

The retiring mayor said he believes it is time for someone new to take the role of mayor.

"It's time for new leadership to take its place and lead our city and continue on with our accomplishments of the past 7½ years," he said.

Mays said his decision also marks the end of more than five decades in public service.

"I've been in public service since 1973," he said. "I think that's enough."

The Dalles Mayor Rich Mays and Nana I Ke Kumu’s Imma Royal at a ribbon cutting for her new business several years ago.

Mayor Rich Mays and his wife, Rose, moved to The Dalles from the Oregon Coast in January 2015. His 50-year career in public service includes 33 years in municipal government, with 28 years serving as city manager in Cannon Beach; Jefferson City, Mo.; and Collinsville and Sterling, Ill. Mays also served as interim county manager for Clatsop County following his retirement from Cannon Beach in July 2014.

Reflecting on his three terms as mayor, Mays pointed to improvements in the city's financial position, infrastructure, beautification projects, technology, cybersecurity, long-range planning and economic development.

"These accomplishments have been a true team effort," Mays said. "They were brought about by a dedicated group of volunteer council members and professional staff. If I can take credit for anything, it is assuming the leadership role and creating an atmosphere of teamwork, creativity and professionalism that allowed those things to take place."

While he said leaving City Hall will be bittersweet, Mays is looking forward to spending more time with his wife, Rose, and traveling to visit grandchildren in the St. Louis area and Scotland.

Mayor Rich Mays, a member of The Dalles Lions Club, recently ringing the bell for Salvation Army’s “Christmas in July” at Safeway. Photo courtesy The Dalles Lions Club Facebook Page

"I'll miss the work, the staff and the people I've worked with on the City Council," he said. "But it really wasn't that difficult a decision."

Pictured (Left to right): Garth Miller, Juan Diego Contreras, Amyrah Hill, Zoe Dunn, and The Dalles Mayor Rich Mays - after recognizing The Dalles High School athletes for their track achievements at State several years ago. Photo Credit: Claire Miller

Mays' announcement comes as the field for the Nov. 3 municipal election begins to take shape.

Mays' decision not to seek a fourth term has opened a three-way race for The Dalles' next mayor thus far. City Councilor Timothy McGlothlin was the first to file for the office. He is joined by former City Councilor Darcy Long, who served on the council from 2017 to 2024 and currently serves on the Columbia Gorge Community College Board of Education, and Joseph W. Slusher, who works for The Dalles-based Sign Age. Slusher lists no prior governmental experience on his candidate filing and notes educational training in communications and as a Northwest Public Power Association energy analyst.

Since councilor McGlothlin has filed to run for mayor, it leaves his Position No. 1 council seat open, guaranteeing at least one new member will join the City Council following the election.

Kim Morgan, a member of the Columbia Gorge Community College Board of Education, and Tristan Sheppard have both filed for Position No. 1 on the City Council. Incumbent Councilor Scott Randall has filed for re-election to Position No. 3 and, as of this week, remains unopposed.

The mayor and City Council Positions 1 and 3 are all four-year, at-large offices elected citywide.

Candidate filing remains open. Incumbents have until Aug. 18 to file, while non-incumbent candidates have until Aug. 25. Election Day is Nov. 3.

In the weeks leading up to the election, CCCNews will publish in-depth interviews with each candidate for mayor and City Council, focusing on their priorities, leadership philosophies and visions for the future of The Dalles.