Erin C. Lagesen, chief judge of the Oregon Court of Appeals, is on the Nov. 3 nonpartisan ballot for Position 12 on the court. She has held the seat since 2013, according to BallotReady, which lists her as certified for the ballot.
Candidate information
Office sought: Oregon Appeals Court Judge, Position 12
Election: Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026 (Oregon General Election)
Party: Nonpartisan
Hometown: Portland, Oregon (graduate of Wilson High School), according to the Oregon State Bar Appellate Practice Section
Education: Bachelor of arts in English and mathematics, Williams College; master of science in mathematics, University of Oregon; master of education, Harvard University; juris doctor, Willamette University College of Law
Experience and public service
Before entering law, Lagesen taught high school mathematics at Milwaukie High School. She clerked for Judge Susan P. Graber and practiced law at Stoel Rives LLP, according to BallotReady. She joined the Oregon Department of Justice as a lawyer in 2004, according to the Oregon State Bar.
Lagesen was appointed to the court in 2013. She served as presiding judge of Department Three from July 1, 2017, through Dec. 31, 2021, according to the American Law Institute. She became chief judge on Jan. 1, 2022.
The Oswego Chronicle candidate questionnaire was sent to Chief Judge Lagesen's campaign. No response was received as of Oct. 12, 2026. The policy positions below are drawn from her public campaign website and public records.
