PRINEVILLE — A Republican challenger is throwing his hat in the ring for the nomination for Oregon’s 2nd Congressional District, which includes all or part of 20 counties across Northern, Eastern, Central and Southern Oregon.

Jason Beebe, a self-described “America First” conservative, officially announced his candidacy Tuesday, Dec. 26, for the United States House of Representatives, challenging incumbent Cliff Bentz.

In a press release announcing his candidacy, Beebe, the mayor of Prineville, pledges to prioritize securing the border and building the wall to halt the drug trade and illegal immigration.

“As a committed patriot and advocate for the ‘America First’ agenda, Beebe brings a fresh perspective and unwavering dedication to the residents of Oregon’s Second Congressional District,” the press release said. “With a deep-rooted belief in limited government, fiscal responsibility, and putting American interests first, Beebe aims to be the voice of the people who have felt overlooked by the current representation.”

Bentz has won two terms to Congress, the last coming in 2022. Bentz, a Republican from Ontario, is one of two Republican representatives at the federal level for Oregon.

A longtime Prineville city councilor who was elected mayor in 2020, Beebe ran in the Republican primary for the U.S. Senate in 2022 — held by Democrat Ron Wyden — but finished fourth in the primary.

Beebe joined the Army National Guard in 2003 and spent 10 months overseas in Iraq in 2009 and 2010. He retired from the National Guard in 2015 after 12 years of service.

Beebe returned to Prineville after serving in Iraq motivated to tackle public service. He decided to enter local politics and was elected to the city council, where he has served for the past 12 years.