Decision 2026: WATCH – Candidates for Deschutes County Sheriff Debate
Editor's Note: This debate aired at 6 pm on September 30, 2026 on KFXO-TV
LIVE BLOG:
6:47 pm - McLaughlin's Closing Statement: Thank you for caring and is asking for your vote. He loves the community and believes Rupert does as well. McLaughlin mentioned he served as a pastor and a Marine -- service is what he knows; it's taught him that if he serves the way he wants to, he's not serving you because passion brings purpose. He wants to bring community into the office, give them a voice to how they enforce and protect, adapt to the community needs. Public safety requires plans, vision for the future, and wants to make Deschutes County a place families can be proud of.
6:45 pm - Rupert's Closing Statement: It's been an honor serving as interim sheriff for last 13 months, serves with his heart, wants to keep everyone safe, values and respects citizens, wants to do everything he can to turn the office around and become a sustainable office with happy employees. Rupert touched on how many community members and business owners he's spoken with over his term and listens to their concerns. He thanked the men and women of other agencies, with whom relations have improved after soured relationships in the past.
6:43 pm - Aaron asks about balance between privacy and safety, specifically license plate readers. Rupert said they've brought in a new bodycam system, due to budget he had to weigh where they spend their money. With public concerns about privacy and cost, LPRs will not be invested in at this time -- he would rather have another deputy to serve the community. McLaughlin agrees 'on its face', poses question of modernizing and adapting and how to work that into law enforcement. McLaughlin added he would like to utilize some technology because it's the responsible decision, but we aren't there yet.
6:38 pm - Aaron picks up where budget conversation left off. Rupert replied with how the cost of living is very expensive for people and he does not want to ask citizens for more until he has done everything he can to cut back. McLaughlin agreed with Rupert's statement on not wanting to ask citizens for more money, though added we need to be realistic about the need for it eventually. McLaughlin noted he wants to be transparent so voters can see where their money is going, but the department needs to be well-equipped.
6:33 pm - Aaron asks McLaughlin about DCSO being funded by two levies which at their limit -- with growth in Deschutes County, how do you keep it under control? McLaughlin replied, saying we've grown 25% since 2014; with growth, you have to change law enforcement approach, mentioned using intelligence-based policing and a necessity to look at things like recidivism -- which he noted costs over $100k for taxpayers - and looking at longer-term solutions and savings for a stronger foundation. Rupert replied acknowledging DCSO budget is maxed out. Rupert noted when he took over last year, the budget was tight and he did whatever they could to live within their means, cut expenses. Rupert added he won't ask taxpayers for more money until they've tightened their own belt.
6:25 pm - Spencer asks about political party affiliation. Rupert said he's a registered non-associated voter. Rupert said he believes the law applies to everyone equally and political party preferences should not affect that. 'We may not always agree' but we need to learn how to respect each other', Rupert added, saying there's no place for political parties in law enforcement. McLaughlin disagreed with Rupert's last remark. McLaughlin said he's been a Republican, non-associated, and is now a Democrat. McLaughlin stated 'who I am is not my political party and changing your party doesn't change who you are' and his affiliation is aligned with values he feels are most important at the time.
6:19 pm - Aaron asks Rupert how he's reshaped the office culture. Rupert replied, saying he cares about the community and his employees at DCSO. Rupert added his employees want to be supported -- he worries about their families and how the stress wears on them. Rupert said he tries to promote being calm and positive, and is proud of his team. He said he tries to compliment and recognize those who serve, even started an award ceremony to honor them. McLaughlin replied with how he's tried to build camaraderie among his units, a culture of empowerment, disagreeing with one another respectfully, don't have 'group think', and encourage diversity. McLaughlin added empowered employees are healthy employees.
6:09 pm - Aaron with The Source asked about mudslinging during campaign. Rupert said DCSO has been through difficult elections, he tries to be benign and does not support negativity. Citizens aware of issues - he's tried to run his campaign as a professional, focus on employees and community, actively avoids social media negativity. McLaughlin responded with wanting voters to have transparency, posted transcript of his interview on his site, and acknowledged no direct jabs between candidates.
6:07 pm - Rupert response's to investigation: Rupert said he doesn't get to pick and choose complaints when they come in. The family came in with two more formal complaints after their first complaint didn't make it to him (Rupert). He knew it was a tough position to be put in and brought in outside investigator. Spencer brings up timing - how do you tell voters this is something that won't continue? McLaughlin replied saying it looks like targeting, whether it's true or not, and he's in the investigation for the long haul to exonerate himself.
6:05 pm - Spencer with KTVZ News asked about the independent investigation and allegations about McLaughlin. McLaughlin responded saying he's glad Sacks asked, he does not mind accountable, and has no problem owning the things he's done. McLaughlin said he takes issue with dishonesty and voters should be asking these hard questions after years of difficult issues with DCSO and lack of public trust. McLaughlin added he's not dishonest and will own his mistakes.
6:03 pm - Ty Rupert's opening statement noted he is a Native Oregonian who wanted to be involved in law enforcement after the tragic loss of his father -- a Marine who served in Vietnam and aspired to be an officer -- to cancer at a young age. Rupert followed in his father's footsteps, serving as a Marine. He noted he's served 21 years with DCSO and has held every rank. He mentioned he loves his community, cares for those who have served.
6:01 pm - James McLaughlin's opening statement focused on his history in Deschutes County, his on love and commitment to his family, and his service in the Marines. He noted his role as Major Incident Team Commander, has been with DCSO for 19 years, and served as a SWAT commander. He said he's running because he "loves this community" and believes we can do more together.
5:58 pm - The debate has begun on FOX, KTVZ.com, the KTVZ News App and KTVZ+
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- KTVZ News will launch the station's debate series, The Central Oregon Debates, this week with a LIVE debate featuring the candidates for Deschutes County Sheriff.
Candidates Ty Rupert and James McLaughlin are scheduled to appear LIVE on Wednesday at 6:00 pm.
Due to network programming conflicts with NBC’s Major League Baseball broadcast, the event will air on KTVZ's FOX affiliate. The debate will also be accessible via live stream across all KTVZ News digital platforms, including KTVZ+.
The forum will be moderated by Lee Anderson. The broadcast panel will feature Spencer Sacks, KTVZ’s political reporter, and Aaron Switzer, founder and publisher of The Source.
This event offers the candidates an opportunity to address critical issues facing the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and outline their strategic priorities for voters ahead of the upcoming election.
Viewers can tune in to the Deschutes County Sheriff debate this Wednesday at 6:00 pm on FOX or stream the event live via KTVZ.com, the KTVZ News App and KTVZ+.
