Edited July 31, 2026 4:40 p.m. to correct recall timeline error
by Christy Solo – Editor
According to the unofficial election results for the July 7, 2026 mayoral recall special election in Shady Cove, Mayor Lena Richardson has been recalled.
The recall was driven by the Shady Cove Matters political action group. However, according to the preliminary results, apparently Shady Cove only really matters to about 30% of registered voters (2446 ballots mailed, 735 returned). In election terms, the majority of the minority is still a majority.
What now?
Richardson has the option to resign before the official results are certified.
The official results will be certified no later than Aug. 3, 2026. If the certification confirms the “Yes” majority of the early count results, Richardson will immediately be out of office.
Following either Richardson’s resignation, or certification of a “yes” result, council will be run by Council President Steve Mitchell through the end of Richardson’s appointed term.
In the meantime, three council seats and the mayor’s seat will be on the Nov. 3, 2026 general election ballot. Mitchell’s seat is the only one not up for election, he has two and one-half years left on his term.
The mayoral term is for two years, and the council seats will be staggered – two four-year and one two-year term. Candidates decide which term limit they will run for. They do not run for a specific seat number in Shady Cove. The winners are decided by simple majority.
For example: If five candidates run for a four-year term, the two with the highest percentage of votes will be the winners and will be sworn in January 2027.
Candidates have until Aug. 25, 2026 to submit their paperwork and statement for the Nov. ballot. The Shady Cove Charter requires perspective candidates get at least 20 signatures on a petition before submitting their paperwork.
All information on past and upcoming elections can be found on Jackson County’s website.
Typically, voter turnout for November general elections is about 73% of registered voters, so if it matters to you who will sit at the dais come January, be sure to vote.
