Roseburg Mayor Larry Rich Will Not Seek Reelection After 28 Years in Office

ROSEBURG, Ore. - Roseburg Mayor Larry Rich announced Tuesday that he will not seek another term, bringing his nearly three decades as the city's mayor to a close at the end of 2026.

Rich notified Roseburg city staff and members of the City Council of his decision Aug. 11. He has served as mayor since 1998 and will have completed 28 years in the position when his current term ends Dec. 31.

In a letter to city staff and councilors, Rich said the decision came as he considered what he wants to do during the next stage of his life. He will be 71 when his term ends and said he wants to spend more time traveling and enjoying life outside of his responsibilities as mayor.

“I am at a point in my life where I want to play more, and work less,” Rich wrote. “There are still places in this world that I would like to see and visit before I can’t travel anymore.”

Despite the length of his time in office, Rich said the years passed quickly. He described his time as mayor as something he genuinely enjoyed and said the position allowed him to meet people throughout Roseburg he otherwise may never have known.

“Twenty-eight years may sound like a very long time to volunteer to do the job, but the time went by extremely fast,” Rich wrote. “I really enjoyed being mayor. I had a lot of fun doing it.”

Rich also thanked Roseburg residents for continuing to place their trust in him over the years. In his letter, he described Roseburg as being fortunate to have the people who call the community home and said he remains grateful for the opportunity to serve.

His message also looked ahead to the transition that will follow his departure. Rich encouraged city staff and councilors to remain focused on their work as Roseburg prepares for new leadership and a new direction.

“As Roseburg begins with new leadership and direction, please continue to stay focused on doing your part to keep Roseburg a great place to live and call home,” Rich wrote. “I firmly believe that Roseburg is the best small town in Oregon.”

Rich closed his personal letter by thanking the community once again for allowing him to serve for so many years, signing it “Larry Rich, Roseburg Mayor, 1998-2026.”

Rich will remain mayor through the end of his current term on Dec. 31.