Kevin Stine, Navy veteran and educator, enters Oregon State Senate race

MEDFORD, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Medford City Councilor and U.S. Navy veteran Kevin Stine filed for the Democratic nomination for Oregon State Senate District 3 on Monday. Stine's campaign centers on steady leadership, educational improvement and long-term economic opportunity for the Rogue Valley.

Stine has served on the Medford City Council for 11 years and spent 16 years in the Navy, including both active duty and reserve service. He is running to represent a district he says needs leadership that understands local challenges. "Southern Oregon deserves representation that listens first and acts responsibly," Stine said. "We can make progress on affordability, education and overall livability when we focus on cooperation and outcomes."

Improving statewide education outcomes and protecting regional institutions are central to Stine's platform. Stine is a Southern Oregon University graduate and has seven years of experience working in education. He called for collaboration between lawmakers, educators, administrators and school board members to strengthen the system. "Southern Oregon University is one of our community's greatest assets," Stine said. "It should continue to educate local students while attracting talent and innovation into our region."

The campaign also identifies housing availability and cost pressures as urgent issues for Rogue Valley workers. Stine noted that high costs are preventing many residents from achieving financial security. "Young Oregonians are being forced to wait longer than ever to buy their first home, making it harder to put down roots, build stability and plan for the future," Stine said.

Stine's military background includes nine years on active duty and seven years in the reserves. He described his leadership style as community-focused and bipartisan. "My approach has always been to work with people across the political spectrum and find solutions that improve everyday life," Stine said. "That's the mindset I'll bring to Salem."

Several local leaders in Southern Oregon have expressed support for Stine's candidacy. His early backers include Phoenix Mayor Al Muelhoefer and former Medford Mayors Al Densmore and Lindsay Berryman. The campaign is also supported by Ashland City Councilor Dylan Bloom and Medford School Board members Angela Zbikowski and Sandra LaNier McHenry. Additionally, Phoenix-Talent School Board member Michael Campbell and former board members Karen Starchvick and Michelle Atkinson have joined the list of endorsements.