Medford, Ore. — One week after the tragic death of State Senator Dr. Alan Bates, a former Rogue Valley police chief says he’s looking to fill the open position in the legislature.
Former Talent Police Chief Mike Moran has filed to fill Bates’ District 3 Senate Seat both for the remainder of this calendar year and to be on the November ballot.
The Democrat is already running against incumbent Republican Sal Esquivel for his House Seat for District 6.
On August 19th, Jackson County Democrats will meet with precinct committee members to choose 3 to 5 candidates to be interim senator. Those selections will be given to the County Commissioners — all 3 happen to be Republicans — and they will have the final say.
Democrats will nominate a candidate to appear on the November ballot on the 19th.
If a candidate who is already running for another position is chosen, like Moran, a replacement candidate for the other race will be nominated.
Senator Bates died last Friday while fly fishing with his son. Autopsy results have not yet been released.
A private service for family is scheduled for this weekend, while a public memorial is still being planned.
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