[1][2] DeBoer ran for the Oregon House of Representatives in 2016, however was nominated by the Republican Party as their candidate for the seat vacated by the death of State Senator Alan Bates in August 2016.

[3] He was elected to the Oregon State Senate in November 2016, defeating Democrat Tonia Moro by about 500 votes.

[6] In February 2018, DeBoer announced that he would retire from the State Senate and not seek re-election to another term.

[8] DeBoer chief-sponsored two pieces of legislation during the 2017 session, one a memorial to former Senator Alan Bates, the second to repeal the Oregon Income Tax kicker refund.

[11] During the 2017 session, DeBoer was a vocal opponent of House Bill 2004 which aimed at providing renter protections including banning no-cause evictions and local rent control.