DECISION 2026: Deschutes County Interim Sheriff Files Paperwork to Run in the May election
(Update: adding comments from DCSO Interim Sheriff Ty Rupert, former DCSO employees)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Deschutes County’s interim sheriff is officially entering the race to keep the position. Ty Rupert filed paperwork Monday to run for the elected position of sheriff, choosing the date as a tribute to his late father — whose birthday was the same day.
“My father has been an inspiration from a young age,” Rupert told KTVZ News. “Today’s his birthday, so today is the day I get to honor him. It’s a special day… sorry for the tears, but it’s an emotional day.”
Rupert has served as interim sheriff for the past 19 weeks, stepping into the role after former Sheriff Kent Van Der Kamp resigned amid numerous scandals. Since then, Rupert says his focus has been on rebuilding trust and strengthening relationships across the county.
“I want our office to be an office that our community and the people that I work with at the sheriff's office can be proud of,” Rupert said. “In the 19 weeks, I've had an incredible opportunity to meet and talk with several people in our community. If I'm fortunate enough to have the voters vote for me next year and keep me as their sheriff — we're just getting started right now. We’ve got a long ways to go, but that direction is going to be in a very positive direction.”
Monday’s filing event drew support from former law enforcement leaders and community members, including former Sheriff Larry Blanton and Carol Stiles, widow of former Sheriff Les Stiles. County commissioners Patti Adair and Tony DeBone also were on hand.
“I feel it, I see it, I hear it - the sheriff's office is in a great place,” Blanton said. “We’re excited to support Ty and his run for sheriff here.”
Carol Stiles added, “My husband always told Ty, ‘When are you going to run for sheriff? You gotta run for sheriff.’ So I’m here representing him and supporting this guy. As I’ve gotten to know him, he really is the right man for the job.”
Rupert said he hopes to continue rebuilding confidence in the sheriff’s office while leading with transparency and accountability.
Voters will decide next year whether he’ll continue leading the agency he’s helped steady over the past few months.
