Virginia Stapleton

Virginia Stapleton is the Democratic and Working Families Party candidate for the Oregon State Senate, District 11, in the November 3, 2026 general election, running against Tracy Cramer (R). She served on the Salem City Council, representing Ward 1, from 2021 to 2025.[1][2]

Stapleton graduated from Perrydale High School and earned an associate degree from Chemeketa Community College in 2021.[2] Her career experience includes work as an administrative assistant, co-owner and office manager, and she has been affiliated with the Oregon Working Families Party, Progressive Salem, Salem Bike Vision, the Englewood Elementary Parent-Teacher Club, the Englewood Forest Festival and the North Englewood Neighborhood Watch.[2]

Stapleton took office on the Salem City Council on January 11, 2021, and did not run for re-election in 2024; her term ended January 13, 2025.[2] She defeated Teresa Alonso Leon in the Democratic primary for Senate District 11 on May 19, 2026.[2]

In a Ballotpedia survey completed in 2025, Stapleton described herself as a lifelong Oregonian and working mother and named housing and homelessness, cost of living and affordability, healthcare, education, veterans, and commerce and general government as her policy interests.[3] Her listed campaign messages included building more starter homes and other housing options, lowering the cost of utilities, rent, food and childcare, and protecting the Oregon Health Plan.[3]

Researched from the cited sources on 2026-10-21. Not yet independently fact-checked.