About

CANDIDATE FOR LANE COUNTY COMMISSIONER (SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT)

Sean VanGordon

Sean VanGordon leads with the clear purpose of putting people first. As Mayor of Springfield, he has focused on the simple idea that the government should make life easier for the families who live and work here. For the people he serves, that has meant more places to work, more places to gather, and a local government that shows up and gets things done.

Since Sean joined the City Council, downtown has come alive again. New storefronts, new restaurants, and local shops are driving a stronger Springfield economy. Under his term as mayor, Springfield has created more than 1,000 new jobs, and commercial occupancy in the Gateway District has risen 15 percent. Sean has helped drive major manufacturing and industrial expansions ensuring Springfield remains a place where people can build a career, not just work a job.

Sean has spent over two decades as an industrial engineer and financial planning leader in healthcare, logistics, and global operations. He led teams, managed multimillion-dollar budgets, streamlined complex systems, and helped organizations deliver better outcomes for vulnerable populations. He knows how to bridge business and policy, and he brings that same precision and steadiness to public service.

Sean brings the same problem-solving mindset to Springfield’s biggest challenges. He expanded affordable housing options by cutting red tape and partnering with builders, helping speed up the process so homes get built faster and families can find a place they can afford. He secured critical infrastructure wins, including the Street Bond and the inclusion of 42nd Street in the State Transportation Bill, improving safety, reducing congestion, and making daily life smoother for commuters, parents, and small business owners. He also expanded library access so families outside city limits can borrow books, use computers, and access programs without cost barriers.

Sean has called Lane County home since 2001, when he moved to attend the University of Oregon. He earned a master’s degree in economics and a bachelor’s in political science, and in 2007, he and his wife Elaine bought their first home in Springfield. Today, they’re raising twin daughters, Katie and Livy, along with their dog Marcus, while cheering on the Ducks and frequenting their favorite local restaurants.

Sean believes in Lane County. He wants a community where families can build their life and their businesses can grow. The leadership and collaboration that strengthens Springfield is the leadership that Sean is committed to bringing to Lane County.