Senate race · 2026

Oregon Senate Race

This election is for a seat in the U.S. Senate, currently held by Democratic incumbent Jeff Merkley, who is seeking a fourth term. The election will determine who represents Oregon in the Senate for the next six years.

All 2026 races

2 candidates · what each one campaigns on

Jeff Merkley

Democratic · Incumbent

Their record

Currently: U.S. Senator

Jeff Merkley has served as Oregon's junior senator since 2009 and previously spent a decade in the Oregon House, including two years as Speaker.

Campaign platform

Strongman State Concerns
He warns against the rise of a 'strongman state,' particularly criticizing actions by a previous President regarding checks and balances and democratic norms.
DemocracySource
Fight Political Corruption
He advocates for ending stock trading by politicians, preventing the exchange of government favors for investments, and reforming the Supreme Court with a binding code of ethics.
DemocracySource
Save Elections
He proposes stopping gerrymandering, requiring paper ballots, ending secret campaign funding, and expanding vote-by-mail.
DemocracySource
Support for Families
He champions strengthening foundations for families to thrive, including healthcare, education, affordable housing, and good-paying jobs.
HousingSource
Climate Change
He aims to rapidly transition from fossil fuels to cheaper, cleaner renewable energy sources.
EnvironmentSource

Campaign site Ballotpedia profile

David Brock Smith

Republican

Currently: State Senator

David Brock Smith has served in the Oregon state Senate since 2023, following a tenure in the state House from 2017-23.

Campaign platform

Affordable Living
He states his campaign is focused on fighting for affordable living for Oregonians.
EconomySource
Safer Communities
He aims to work towards creating safer communities within Oregon.
JusticeSource
Good-Paying Jobs
He emphasizes the importance of good-paying jobs for the state's economy.
EconomySource
Responsible Government
He campaigns on the promise of responsible government.
DemocracySource

Campaign site Ballotpedia profile

Platform items are drawn from candidates’ own campaign materials and public reporting, summarised neutrally. They are what a candidate says they will do — not a judgement about whether they will do it. Once a candidate is serving in Congress, their record moves to the The Informed Ballot profiles.