Justus For Baker County
General Election -
November 3, 2026
Candidate History
Kody Justus | Baker County Commissioner Pos. #3
Occupation: Cattle Rancher
Educational Background: Graduate of Baker High School 1989; Active in leadership through Future Farmers of America (FFA); Department of Public Standards and Training; Basic Corrections at Western Oregon University.
Occupational Background: Served in the United States Army from 1989-1992, including deployments in Germany and Kuwait. Former Correctional Officer. Former State Brand Inspector. Extensive experience in ranch operations management, budgeting, human resource management, strategic procurement, marketing, and business ownership.
Prior Governmental Experience: Formerly elected Precinct Committee Person and served as Vice-Chair of Baker County Republican Party; Former member of the Baker County Natural Resource Advisory Committee; Military service in the United States Army – committed to public service and leadership.
Candidate Statement
I believe the fundamental role of government is to maintain order, provide stability and ensure safety so that our communities can thrive. Citizens should have full confidence that their lives, liberty, and property are protected. When these core principles are challenged in Baker County, it is the responsibility of county leadership to safeguard and uphold the rights of the residents.
I am committed to fostering a leadership environment where ideas are openly shared, innovative solutions are thoughtfully considered, and effective problem-solving is prioritized. I will work to cultivate a Commission grounded in trust and transparency—one that delivers balanced, mutually beneficial outcomes while establishing clear county priorities and sound public policy. It is equally important that our local government remain steady and resilient amid political transitions, elections, and administrative changes.
I am dedicated to enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of public meetings by ensuring agendas are shared in advance, discussions remain focused on clearly defined objectives, and action steps and timelines that promote accountability.
My life experiences have equipped me to make clear, principled, and rational decisions. I will approach each decision with a careful understanding of both the immediate impact and the long-term implications for our county.
It is an honor to seek the opportunity to serve a county I deeply value. I respectfully ask for your support in bringing my experience, commitment, and dedication to the Baker County Commissioner Chair position.
Thank you.
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Bio & Family History
Kody's Story
Kody Justus is a fifth-generation rancher with roots in Baker County dating back to 1891. After serving honorably in the US Army (1989–1992), he gained diverse experience as a correctional officer, brand inspector, and various farm and ranch jobs that ultimately led to the opportunity to own and operate his own cattle stocker operation. His deep dedication to county issues, including service on the Baker County Natural Resource Advisory Committee, is fueled by a desire to preserve the community's future.
Kody and his wife, Heidi, have five daughters. He is committed to protecting the equity forged by the effort of people who built this county, and ensuring the next generation has the opportunity to build on the foundation laid by those who came before them.
He seeks to serve as County Commissioner Chair to provide steady, principled leadership and ensure Baker County remains a place where hard work and legacy are valued and cultivated.
Click on the arrow for a slide show of Kody living life >>>
Kody's Vision & Ideas
A steady, honest county government that protects your rights, respects your tax dollars, and keeps Baker County working for the people who live and work here.
a. Open, Honest Leadership – Clear communication, respectful debate, and decisions based on long‑term good for the county.
b. Responsible County Government – Protect taxpayers, focus on core services, and make sure budgets are transparent and balanced.
c. Strong Rural Economy – Stand with ranchers, farmers, and small businesses with practical, informed policies that keep our local economy strong.
My vision is a county government that protects your rights, uses your tax dollars wisely, and keeps Baker County a place we’re proud to call home.
Community Engagement
Stay connected with the campaign and what’s happening in Baker County.
★ Follow us on Facebook: Justus For Baker County
★ Voter registration deadline for 2026 General Election: October 13, 2026.
★ To make a contribution to the Justus For Baker County campaign:
★ To get a sign to support Kody's campaign, please email or text Kody at the email / phone number listed below in "Connect with Kody Justus" section.
It's time to put campaign signs out for the General Election. Please put your sign out from the primary election or let Kody know that you would like a sign. Signs are also available at 4 Play Performance in Baker City. Thank you for your support.
★ 2026 Action Calendar & Community Engagement:
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Baker County Town Hall on Hughes Lane Property - March 25, 2026
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Baker County Republican Women's Candidate Forum - April 9, 2026
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Halfway - Baker County Commissioner Candidate Meet and Greet - April 20, 2026; Pine Valley Grange
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Unity - Baker County Commissioner Candidate Meet and Greet - April 22, 2026
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Baker County Republican Central Committee Candidate Forum - April 24, 2026; Baker City Elks Lodge
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Baker County Chamber of Commerce Commissioner Candidate Meet & Greet - May 4, 2026; Baker County Library
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Sumpter Mining Town Hall - May 5, 2026; Sumpter City Hall
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Baker County Commissioner Meeting - May 20, 2026
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Baker County Livestock Association Meeting - May 20, 2026
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Baker County Compensation Board Meeting - May 21, 2026
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Memorial Day Ceremony - May 25, 2026; Mount Hope Cemetery
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Baker County Budget Committee Meeting - May 27, 2026
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Baker County Commissioner Meeting - June 3, 2026
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Baker County Economic Development Council Meeting - June 9, 2026
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Forest Access For All - Blue Mountains Forest Plan Revision Public Meeting - June 9, 2026
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Oregon Water Resources Department - Open House for Rulemaking Changes - June 15, 2026
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Huntington City Council Budget Hearing Meeting - June 16, 2026
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Huntington City Council Meeting - June 16, 2026
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Baker County Commissioner Meeting - June 17, 2026
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Baker County Transient Lodging Tax (TLT) Committee Meeting - June 18, 2026
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Baker City Council Meeting - June 23, 2026
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Baker County Livestock Association Meeting - June 24, 2026
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Baker County Planning Committee Meeting - July 1, 2026
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Haines 4th of July Parade - July 4, 2026
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God and Country in the Park - July 5, 2026
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Baker County Commissioner Meeting - July 8, 2026
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Baker County Transient Lodging Tax Committee Meeting - July 10, 2026
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Anthony Fire Community Update Meeting (North Powder) - July 11, 2026
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Baker County Parks & Recreation Board Meeting - July 13, 2026
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Economic Development Council Meeting - July 14, 2026
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Anthony / Salmon / Olive Fires Community Update Meeting (Baker City) - July 14, 2026
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Baker County Commissioner Meeting - July 15, 2026
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Baker County Livestock Association Meeting - July 15, 2026
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Baker County Transient Lodging Tax Committee Meeting - July 16, 2026
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Miner's Jubilee Parade and Activities in the Park - July 18, 2026
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Powder River Fire Community Q & A (Richland) - July 24, 2026
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Shriner's Parade - July 25, 2026
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Haines City Council Meeting - July 28, 2026
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Forest Access For All Meeting - August 1, 2026
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Hell's Canyon Chamber of Commerce Meeting - August 4, 2026
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Baker County Commissioner Meeting - August 5, 2026
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Eastern Oregon Mining Association Meeting - August 7, 2026
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Sumpter City Council Meeting - August 11, 2026
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Baker Heritage Museum - "Are You a Colton?" Presentation - August 11, 2026
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Fire Workshop w/Representative Cliff Bentz - August 12, 2026
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Powder Basin Watershed Council Board of Directors Meeting - August 12, 2026
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Baker County Livestock Association BBQ - August 14, 2026
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Durkee Steak Feed @ Quail Ridge Golf Course - August 15, 2026
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Baker County Commissioner Meeting - August 19, 2026
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Richland City Council Meeting - August 19, 2026
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Baker County Transient Lodging Tax Committee Meeting - August 20, 2026
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Senator McLane Town Hall - August 25, 2026
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McCulley/Pole Fire Update in Sumpter - August 28, 2026
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Baker Sage-Grouse LIT Quarterly Meeting - September 1, 2026
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Baker County Commissioner Meeting - September 2, 2026
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Northern Blues Forest Collaborative Campfire Conversations - September 2, 2026
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Halfway City Council Meeting - September 3, 2026
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Halfway Fair & Rodeo - Volunteered to empty garbage on the fairway - September 4-6, 2026
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Halfway Fair Parade - September 5, 2026
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Baker County Economic Development Council Meeting - September 8, 2026
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Baker Heritage Museum - "Beer and Breweries in Baker County History" - September 8, 2026
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Department Head/Elected Officials Meeting - September 9, 2026
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Mayor's Meeting - September 9, 2026
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Keating Rural Fire Protection District Annual BBQ and Dessert Auction - September 12, 2026
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Pendleton Round-Up - September 16, 2026
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Baker County Commissioner Special Session (via Zoom) - September 30, 2026
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Hell's Canyon Chamber of Commerce Meeting in Halfway - October 6, 2026
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Baker County Commissioner Meeting - October 7, 2026
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AAUW Commissioner Forum in Baker City - October 13, 2026
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Whistle Stop RV Park Parktoberfest BBQ Cookoff in Sumpter - October 17, 2026
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Baker County Commissioner Meeting - October 21, 2026
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Baker County Livestock Association Annual Banquet - October 21, 2026
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Baker City Fire Department Town Hall & Dinner - October 24, 2026
Support For Kody
Kody Justus exemplifies the character, experience, and leadership required as Commission Chair for Baker County.
Kody’s real-life experiences include military, law enforcement, land ownership, and cattle production. His business knowledge places Kody apart from other candidates.
Kody Justus exemplifies years of active service and leadership in Baker County. Kody is selfless and when it comes to evaluating the issues; his actions reflect what is for the good of all throughout Baker County.
Be it the Baker County cattle producers or other natural resource issues, Kody has been involved for years. He supports open public forests, revised forest management to reduce fire, personal water rights, and the production of Eastern Oregon minerals. Kody has actively attended for years many county meetings in regard to forest fire resource damage and loss of personal property, the Eastern Oregon Mining Association, and other meetings to discuss local concerns.
Kody Justus supports less government for the betterment of private sector business growth. He is beholding to none and will make principled decisions based on a thorough review of facts for sound results.
If the citizens of Baker County want sound fiscal management, a County Chair with an open-door policy, and decision process transparency, Kody Justus is that candidate. He is an involved person asking for our support to do even more for Baker County.
As the official, publicly elected Precinct Committee Persons of Baker County, the Baker County Republican Party strongly supports Kody Justus. Baker County can rely on his values, abilities, and commitment. We encourage your vote for Kody Justus.
-Baker County Republican Central Committee
(Dan Johnson, President)
-James C. Carnahan
Letter to the Editor:
Baker City Herald - October 13, 2026
Hell's Canyon Journal - October 21, 2026
East Oregonian - October 21, 2026
The leading factor of Baker County‘s economy is agriculture. Within agriculture, beef cattle (cow/calf) production is the most important. Potatoes, hay, corn, wheat, and other crops are also important. It might have been gold that originally brought people to what is now Baker County, but it is agriculture (particularly cattle) that makes it possible for us all to live here now.
Therefore, I urge all voters to join me in voting for Kody Justus for the county commission chair position.
We all survive here because of agriculture, and we need someone guiding the commission who understands the intricacies and challenges of growing what America eats. While I acknowledge that the county commission has to address any number of issues, the issue that matters the most to all of us is our economic viability. Kody Justus is a rancher, livestock trucker and cowboy who lives this every day.
As president of the Baker County Livestock Association, I believe he warrants our support at the election box. Experience counts and his experience is what Baker County needs.
Connect with Kody Justus
Have a question or want to get involved? Reach out.
Email: Justus4BakerCounty@yahoo.com
Phone: 541-519-4061
