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Jeff Merkley

Democrat, Working Families candidate for US Senator, Oregon · Incumbent

U.S. Senator

Jeff Merkley is a Democrat who has represented Oregon in the U.S. Senate since 2009. Before that he served in the Oregon House from 1999 to 2009, including 2007–2009 as House speaker. He won the 2026 Democratic primary with 93.2% of the vote and is running for a fourth term in the November 3, 2026 general election.

Where Merkley stands

Democracy and elections

Supports ending partisan gerrymandering, overturning Citizens United, strengthening the Voting Rights Act, expanding vote-by-mail and same-day registration, and electing the president by direct popular vote.

Climate change

Calls for moving to 100% clean and renewable energy and supports a Green New Deal that pairs emissions cuts with jobs and investment programs.

Healthcare

Supports Medicare for All and limits on prescription drug prices.

High prices / cost of living

Says Congress needs members who will take on the costs of housing, healthcare and education. Supports more affordable housing and child care and debt-free college.

Labor

Supports protecting workers' right to organize unions.

Infrastructure

Supports more infrastructure investment, including rural broadband.

Campaign fundraising

His campaign says it is funded by grassroots donors and does not accept money from corporate PACs.

Background

• U.S. Senator from Oregon, 2009–present (first elected 2008)
• Oregon House of Representatives, 1999–2009
• Speaker of the Oregon House, 2007–2009
• Member, Senate Appropriations Committee
• Won 2026 Democratic primary with 93.2% of the vote

Also running for US Senator

• David Brock Smith Republican
• Gary Lyndon Dye Libertarian
• Chris Henry Progressive, Pacific Green

Sources

• Statesman Journal (via Yahoo News): 2 challenge Oregon's longtime US Sen. Jeff Merkley
• Right Now Oregon: comparison of the candidates' campaign websites (Aug 31, 2026)
• Wikipedia: 2026 United States Senate election in Oregon
• Oregon Capital Chronicle voter guide: U.S. Senate (seen in search results only)

Last researched October 23, 2026. Written in neutral language from the sources above. Spot an error? See how to report it.