David Bolhuis Announces Campaign for Roseburg Mayor

ROSEBURG, Ore. - Roseburg business owner and licensed real estate broker David Bolhuis has announced his candidacy for mayor in the November 2026 election.

Bolhuis completed his mayoral filing Aug. 25, according to the City of Roseburg’s 2026 election information. He is one of three candidates currently listed for mayor in the Nov. 3 general election. City records show he previously filed for the Ward 4 City Council position before withdrawing that filing.

In a statement announcing his campaign, Bolhuis said his work with residents across Roseburg helped motivate him to seek the position. He said those experiences exposed him to the community’s successes as well as the challenges facing many residents.

Bolhuis described his approach to public service as one centered on “service, duty, and being proactive.” He said stronger communication, cooperation, and transparency would be priorities of his administration.

From Beaverton to Roseburg

Bolhuis was born and raised in Beaverton and graduated from Beaverton High School in 2011. He later attended Grand Valley State University in Michigan, where he played college football and earned degrees in history and archaeology.

After graduation, Bolhuis worked at an auto parts manufacturing plant before training as an appraiser under his father. During his apprenticeship, he helped operate and coach a middle school football program in Culver.

Bolhuis later established his own business and became a licensed broker. He said he and his wife chose Roseburg as the community where they wanted to establish permanent roots and raise their family after visiting the area several times.

His work has included restoring older homes throughout Douglas County. Bolhuis said his real estate experience has allowed him to work closely with local neighborhoods, property owners, and professionals from a variety of industries.

He said those interactions gave him a closer look at the daily concerns facing residents and ultimately encouraged him to pursue public office.

Communication and Transparency

Bolhuis said his primary objective as mayor would be improving communication between city government and Roseburg residents.

He believes some city decisions have been difficult for the public to understand or have not been adequately explained. Bolhuis said he would work to remain accessible to residents, listen to concerns, and improve transparency within city government.

Drawing from his experiences in athletics, coaching, and business, Bolhuis said “communication and cooperation are crucial” when navigating complicated situations and making difficult decisions.

Five Campaign Priorities

Bolhuis identified five primary areas he intends to focus on if elected:

• Address homelessness in downtown Roseburg and work toward long-term solutions.
• Invest additional resources in downtown and existing local businesses, including addressing parking and enforcement concerns.
• Attract employers from a broader range of industries to expand local employment opportunities.
• Maintain existing parks, pathways, and public spaces while exploring opportunities to open new ones.
• Invest in infrastructure and Roseburg’s long-term quality of life, including responsible management of public funds and the development of a waterfront district using the existing Pine Street Overlay.

Bolhuis acknowledged that the issues would require significant time, cooperation, and sustained effort. He said addressing them would be necessary for Roseburg to reach what he believes is its full potential.

Despite the challenges he sees, Bolhuis said his campaign is rooted in his appreciation for the community.

“Roseburg is still an incredible city,” Bolhuis said, adding that serving as mayor would be an honor.

To follow David Bolhuis, visit his Facebook Page and reach out via email at davidforroseburg@gmail.com.