CORVALLIS — After more than five years leading the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, Jef Van Arsdall has decided not to seek re-election, choosing instead to return to eastern Oregon to be closer to his adult children.

Van Arsdall, who was appointed to the position in early 2021 by the Benton County commissioners and later won election to a full term, said the decision came down to family.

“I’ve got to be honest with you — I miss my kids,” Van Arsdall said. “My wife and I sat down — we’ve been married for over 30 years and we’ve always done everything as a team — and at the end of the day, it boiled down to our kids. We want to be around our kids.”

His children live in Baker County where Van Arsdall previously served as undersheriff before being appointed to head the Benton County office. With his daughter married and his son engaged, he said the pull of family has grown stronger.

Van Arsdall’s term expires at the end of 2026. Sgt. Scott Bressler filed for the May 19 primary election but since he was the only candidate for sheriff, he will advance directly to the November general election.

Van Arsdall was candid that the decision to step away is a personal one, not a professional one. He expressed no reservations about leaving the office in capable hands.

“I’m enjoying the heck out of what I’m doing. There’s no bad feelings, no bad blood,” he said. “I mean, the office is in a great spot and the residents of Benton County shouldn’t have any concerns about any of that type of stuff. To be honest with you, I’m being kind of selfish in my mid-50s. I just want to go hang out with my kids and maybe do something a little different.”