New Candidate Enters Corvallis Mayoral Race

And it's not a cat...

Jul 22, 2026

www.corvallisnow.com

The race for Mayor of Corvallis has another potential contender. And it’s not a cat.

Kasey Haxton has submitted an initial filing to run for mayor in the November 2026 election. According to the City, the filing has been received but is awaiting approval before Haxton can begin collecting the signatures required to qualify for the ballot.

Whether this is a serious run for Mayor or not is yet to be seen.

(Image via Platypus Affiliated Society YouTube)

One of the clearest windows into the prospective candidate’s views comes through the Democratic Socialists of Corvallis website. It’s a pretty basic website, like something you’d make in your 2006 Computer Science 101 class in college. Haxton has written two newsletters on the website and has been active in the organization’s “Housing is a Human Right campaign.”

The group’s mission says that it organizes “for a society where working-class people own and collectively control resources we all rely on, like housing, healthcare, food, and jobs,” and advocates replacing what it describes as a system “rigged against” working people.

Haxton is the principal author of the organization’s only two published newsletters to date. The first, published in May 2025, introduces Haxton as chair of the Housing is a Human Right campaign committee, while the second newsletter, published in July 2025, continues updates on the campaign’s organizing efforts.

In the May newsletter, Haxton writes that the campaign believes “housing is a human right” and argues Corvallis should end homeless camp sweeps while pursuing policies including expanded public housing and rent control.

The July newsletter reports the campaign has grown to more than 250 petition signatures and says volunteers were canvassing weekly at the Corvallis Farmers’ Market and First Alternative Co-op, all the while advocating for rent control and additional housing policies.

Haxton has also spoken publicly about housing affordability outside of the organization’s newsletter.

In a 2025 interview with Street Roots, discussing homelessness and affordable housing in town, Haxton argued that recently constructed affordable housing still remains financially out of reach for residents.

Referring to one development, Haxton said, “Most people who live there, there is no income minimum. They’re paying a lot more of their take-home pay.” Haxton also called for greater public investment in housing, saying, “All we need is a city council with the political will to do it.”

The development Haxton is referring to is most likely Union at Pacific Highway, which opened in South Corvallis with 174 units. The cheapest rent is $1,100 per month. The highest income a resident can have to qualify for a unit is $45,400 per year for a single individual.

As of writing, no campaign website, campaign finance committee, or detailed mayoral platform for Haxton could be found. Additional campaign information will likely become available when and if signature gathering begins.

The Street Roots article can be found here.

Oregon State University chapter of the Platypus Affiliated Society hosted a panel titled "The Democratic Party and the Left,” where Kasey speaks. It can be found here on YouTube.

This article was written by Brian Lindensmith, a contributor to The Corvallis Inquirer. Feel free to send us your stories or articles to publish at: editor@corvallisnow.com