John Chee, a Republican, is running for Oregon State Senate District 17 in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. He faces Democrat Lisa Reynolds.

Chee said in our candidate questionnaire that he is running "to defend the rights of Oregonians and help keep our beautiful and blessed state of Oregon distinctively Oregonian." He added, "Bringing those values to the modern day will look like lowering taxes for everyone from small families to large families, rich and poor."

Candidate information

Residence: Chee said in our questionnaire, "I grew up in the Bethany neighborhood of Portland, Oregon, where I live today in my childhood family home."

Family: "My wife and I have been happily married for 17 years," Chee said in our questionnaire.

Education: "Westview High School & Portland Community College – High School Diploma (Portland, OR) … Portland State University – Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Computer Science … Portland State University – Master of Science (M.S.) in Computer Science," Chee said in our questionnaire.

Party affiliation: Chee said in our questionnaire, "I am proud to represent the Republican Party in Oregon Senate District 17. My candidacy rests on conservative principles: lower taxes, reduced state regulation, local control, constitutional liberties, and the preservation of traditional, multi-generational citizen families as the bedrock of our society."

Experience and public service

Asked about his occupation and work history, Chee said in our questionnaire, "I am a self-employed software engineer providing specialized technology consulting to local businesses across the Portland metropolitan area … I spent years working in the competitive technology industry in Silicon Valley, gaining experience at high-growth tech startups as well as major technology companies, including X (formerly Twitter)."

He added, "In 2024, my wife and I returned home to the Pacific Northwest, to be closer to family and begin private software consultation."

Asked about prior elected or appointed office, Chee said in our questionnaire, "I have not previously held public elected or appointed office." He described his civic background: "My civic engagement stems from grassroots involvement in my local church, community outreach, and advocacy for pro-family and pro-life organizations both in Oregon and during my time in California."

Asked what accomplishments qualify him for the job, Chee said in our questionnaire, "My career as a software engineer at major firms like X (Twitter) and early-stage startups demonstrates my capacity to analyze complex systems, solve technical problems under pressure, and manage resources efficiently." He also cited "volunteer work with life-affirming clinics and community organizations."

On the issues

Differences from opponent: Asked about critical differences between himself and other candidates, Chee said in our questionnaire, "My opponent favors broad-based taxes, state-mandated Oregonian-last social agendas, and ever expanding government overreach into health care and parenting." He added, "I stand firmly for biblical marriage, the sanctity of life, and the right of parents to guide their children's upbringing without state interference."

On public safety, Chee said in our questionnaire, "I prioritize public safety through the firm prosecution of vagrancy, public drug abuse, and crime near schools and neighborhood parks, while defending second amendment liberties …"

Taxes: Chee said on Ballotpedia that he "champions lower taxes and fights for economic sovereignty and policies that put Oregon families first."

Workforce and trades: Chee said on Ballotpedia that he "will fight for policies that help young men get good-paying jobs in the trades, afford a home, marry, and raise children without the state constantly taking their earnings."

Residents can track Chee's campaign through his Ballotpedia page.