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D Democrat, Working Families · Incumbent · U.S. Senate, Oregon · Nov 3, 2026

Jeff
Merkley

Democratic incumbent Jeff Merkley seeks re-election to the U.S. Senate from Oregon in 2026.

Researched checked 7 d ago
sources
26
positions
12
endorsements
13
jeffmerkley.com ↗(opens in a new tab) X(opens in a new tab)Bluesky(opens in a new tab)YouTube(opens in a new tab)Facebook(opens in a new tab)Instagram(opens in a new tab)
Opponents Chris Henry P+ 2 more Compare race →

Background

Jeff Merkley is a Democratic U.S. senator from Oregon, first elected in 2008 and currently serving a term set to expire in 2027. Born in Myrtle Creek, Oregon, he grew up in Douglas County before his family moved to Roseburg and East Multnomah County. He holds a B.A. from Stanford University (1979) and a master's degree in public policy from Princeton University's Woodrow Wilson School (1982). [7, 4]

Before entering elected office, Merkley worked as a national security analyst at the Pentagon and the Congressional Budget Office. He later returned to Oregon, where he led Portland-area Habitat for Humanity and served as president of the World Affairs Council in Portland. 7

Merkley was elected to the Oregon House of Representatives in 1998 and became Speaker of the House in 2007. He was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2008, defeating incumbent Gordon Smith. [4, 7]

In 2026, Merkley is running for re-election to his U.S. Senate seat. The Federal Election Commission lists him as the Democratic incumbent candidate for the 2026 Oregon Senate race. [14, 6]

At a glance

Party
Democrat, Working Families · Incumbent
Running for
U.S. Senate, Oregon
Election
Nov 3, 2026
Current office
U.S. Senator from Oregon
Website
jeffmerkley.com(opens in a new tab)

Where they stand

Each position links to the page it was drawn from. Quotes are verbatim.

Voting record

How Jeff Merkley voted in Congress: 118th Congress (2023–24) and 119th Congress (2025–26), Jan 23, 2023 to Sep 30, 2026. From the official House and Senate roll call records.

roll call votes
1,606
missed
1.5%
with their party’s majority
95%

Recent key votes

  • Sep 30, 2026 · Senate · PN1129 · Economy & jobs
    Keith Sonderling, of Florida, to be Secretary of Labor
    On the Nomination · Nomination Confirmed
    Official roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)
    No
  • Sep 28, 2026 · Senate · S4668 · Education
    A bill to protect the name, image, and likeness rights of, and provide protections for, student athletes and to promote fair competition among intercollegiate athletics, and for other purposes.
    On Passage of the Bill · Bill Passed · against their party's majority
    Official roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)
    No
  • Aug 8, 2026 · Senate · PN1078 · Crime & public safety
    Todd Blanche, of Florida, to be Attorney General
    On the Nomination · Nomination Confirmed
    Official roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)
    No
  • Aug 8, 2026 · Senate · HR6500 · Taxes & budget
    An act making continuing appropriations and extensions for fiscal year 2027, and for other purposes.
    On Passage of the Bill · Bill Passed
    Official roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)
    Yes
  • Aug 7, 2026 · Senate · HR5334 · Foreign policy & defense
    An act to impose sanctions and other measures with respect to the Russian Federation, as championed by the late Senator Lindsey O. Graham, and for other purposes.
    On Passage of the Bill · Bill Passed
    Official roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)
    Yes
  • Jul 28, 2026 · Senate · PN1092 · Foreign policy & defense
    Walter Clayton, of New York, to be Director of National Intelligence
    On the Nomination · Nomination Confirmed
    Official roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)
    No
  • Jun 5, 2026 · Senate · S2 · Taxes & budget
    An original bill to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of S. Con. Res. 33.
    On Passage of the Bill · Bill Passed
    Official roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)
    No
  • Apr 16, 2026 · Senate · HJRES140 · Climate & energy
    A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management relating to Public Land Order No. 7917 for Withdrawal of Federal Lands; Cook, Lake, and Saint Louis Counties, MN.
    On the Joint Resolution · Joint Resolution Passed
    Official roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)
    No

Key votes are final decisions on bills and joint resolutions, and top nominations. Software sorts each into an issue from its official title, so check the roll call. All 1,606 votes →

Timeline

  1. Oct 11
    poll
    Oregon Senate race rated 'Solid D' / 'Safe D'; no recent public polling found

    A race-tracking page updated October 11 reported no polls logged for the Oregon Senate race. Cook Political Report rated it 'Solid D' and Sabato's Crystal Ball rated it 'Safe D.'

    Oregon Senate Race 2026: Merkley vs. Smith Polls · Oct 11, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  2. Oct 8
    endorsement
    Merkley reported to have endorsements from AFL-CIO, OEA, Oregon Nurses Association, and others

    A local election profile reported Merkley's endorsements as of October 8 included the AFL-CIO, Oregon Education Association, Oregon Nurses Association, Oregon League of Conservation Voters, League of Conservation Voters, and JStreetPAC.

    Jeff Merkley seeks reelection to U.S. Senate in 2026 | Tigard Today · Oct 8, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  3. Oct 8
    news
    Merkley and Sen. Daines publish bipartisan Senate reform plan in Washington Post

    Merkley and Republican Sen. Steve Daines co-authored a Washington Post opinion piece outlining a bipartisan plan for Senate reform.

    Sens. Merkley and Daines: Our bipartisan plan would ... · Oct 8, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  4. Oct 6
    debate
    Merkley declines to participate in KTVZ town hall with opponent Brock Smith

    KTVZ held a televised town hall with Republican challenger David Brock Smith. The station said it had invited Merkley, who declined, saying he would not debate a candidate 'who is not prepared for the role.' Smith criticized Merkley's absence.

    Decision 2026: WATCH – U.S. Senate Candidate David Brock Smith Participates in Town Hall · Oct 6, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  5. Oct 2
    news
    Merkley joins Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez to unveil Ban Flock Act restricting license plate surveillance

    Merkley joined Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in introducing legislation to ban federal use of automatic license plate readers and limit federal funding to state and local governments using them. Merkley stated: 'Your right to privacy includes the freedom to move around your community without every move being monitored.'

    Sanders, Ocasio-Cortez, Merkley Unveil Ban Flock Act to Protect ... · Oct 2, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  6. Oct 1
    news
    Merkley launches 'Race to Save the Senate' fundraiser, pledges laps for his 70 years

    Merkley promoted a fundraising effort supporting competitive Democratic Senate races outside Oregon, saying he would run a lap for each of his 70 years as part of the campaign.

    I'm grateful for every one of you | Jeff Merkley for U.S. Senate, Oregon · Oct 1, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  7. Sep 26
    news
    Merkley campaign warns of being outspent in Oregon Senate race

    The Merkley campaign sent a message to supporters noting it was being outspent and urging continued grassroots fundraising support.

    Outspent, but not outworked | Jeff Merkley for U.S. Senate, Oregon · Sep 26, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  8. Sep 24
    controversy
    Merkley decries Senate Republicans blocking his bipartisan resolution on China's transnational repression

    Merkley criticized Senate Republicans for blocking his bipartisan resolution condemning the Chinese government's intimidation and coercion of people beyond China's borders, saying 'the United States cannot remain silent.'

    Merkley Decries Senate Republicans’ Opposition to His Bipartisan Resolution Condemning PRC’s Transnational Repression - Merkley · Sep 24, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  9. Sep 21
    filing
    Merkley formally announces reelection campaign for a fourth Senate term

    Merkley announced he is running for reelection to the U.S. Senate in Oregon, seeking a fourth term. He is listed on the general-election ballot under both the Democratic and Working Families nominations.

    I’m running | Jeff Merkley for U.S. Senate, Oregon · Sep 21, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  10. Sep 18
    news
    Merkley criticizes EPA proposal on power-plant carbon limits as 'corporate giveaway'

    In a campaign post, Merkley attacked the Trump administration's EPA over a proposed rollback of power-plant carbon pollution limits, calling it 'a corporate giveaway' that would harm public health.

    The EPA is selling out our health to line polluter pockets | Jeff Merkley for U.S. Senate, Oregon · Sep 18, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  11. Sep 18
    news
    Merkley and Wyden join bipartisan push to stop proposed Yosemite land transfer to Trump donor

    Merkley and Sen. Ron Wyden joined a bipartisan congressional effort to block a proposed transfer of Yosemite-area land to a Trump donor.

    Merkley, Wyden Join Bipartisan Congressional Push to Stop Proposed Yosemite Land Transfer to Trump Donor - Merkley · Sep 18, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  12. Sep 12
    news
    Merkley campaign fundraising appeal ahead of quarterly reporting deadline

    Merkley's campaign asked supporters to help post a strong final quarterly report ahead of the September 30 FEC deadline, describing the effort as part of a broader fight against outside spending.

    We must fight back | Jeff Merkley for U.S. Senate, Oregon · Sep 12, 2026 (opens in a new tab)

Endorsements

  • Population Connection Action Fund organization
    Listed as endorsing Merkley in the 2026 Oregon Senate election summary. en.wikipedia.org
  • Oregon Labor Federation, AFL-CIO union
    Listed Merkley under 2026 federal endorsements in its voter guide. oregonlabor.org
  • Oregon Education Association organization
    Listed Merkley in its 2026 recommendations. oregoned.org
  • J Street organization
    Listed as endorsing Merkley in the 2026 Oregon Senate election summary. en.wikipedia.org
  • League of Conservation Voters organization
    Listed as endorsing Merkley in the 2026 Oregon Senate election summary. en.wikipedia.org
  • Planned Parenthood Action Fund organization
    Listed as endorsing Merkley in the 2026 Oregon Senate election summary. en.wikipedia.org
  • Track AIPAC organization
    Listed as endorsing Merkley in the 2026 Oregon Senate election summary. en.wikipedia.org
  • End Citizens United organization
    Listed as endorsing Merkley in the 2026 Oregon Senate election summary. en.wikipedia.org
  • Joint Action Committee for Political Affairs organization
    Listed as endorsing Merkley in the 2026 Oregon Senate election summary. en.wikipedia.org
  • Peace Action organization
    Listed as endorsing Merkley in the 2026 Oregon Senate election summary. en.wikipedia.org
  • American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) union
    Largest federal employee union endorsed Merkley for reelection. afge.org · May 4, 2026
  • Willamette Week newspaper
    Endorsed Merkley for U.S. Senate in its 2026 congressional endorsements. wweek.com · Apr 29, 2026
  • Our Revolution organization
    Said it was 'proudly supporting' Merkley for reelection in an April 11 post. ourrevolution.com · Apr 11, 2026

Past elections

General election results for federal office, from the Federal Election Commission.

YearSeatResultVotesShare
2020U.S. Senate OR · DEM/IP/WFWon1,321,04756.9%

Covers the 2016 to 2022 general elections. The FEC has not yet published 2024 congressional results.

Campaign finance

Totals filed with the Federal Election Commission for the 2026 election cycle.

Raised
$7.89M
Spent
$4.87M
Cash on hand
$6.83M

As of Jun 30, 2026. Filings are periodic, so recent money may not be included yet. ↳ FEC record S8OR00207(opens in a new tab)

Sources 26

  1. [1] Oregon Senate Race 2026: Merkley vs. Smith Polls(opens in a new tab) Oct 11, 2026
  2. [2] Vote — Oregon Labor Federation, AFL-CIO(opens in a new tab) Oct 9, 2026
  3. [3] Jeff Merkley seeks reelection to U.S. Senate in 2026 | Tigard Today(opens in a new tab) Oct 8, 2026
  4. [4] Sens. Merkley and Daines: Our bipartisan plan would ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 8, 2026
  5. [5] Our Fight | Jeff Merkley for U.S. Senate, Oregon(opens in a new tab) Oct 7, 2026
  6. [6] Wyden, Merkley, Bonamici, Salinas, Hoyle, Dexter Announce $4.3 Million to Support Public Safety Across Oregon - Merkley(opens in a new tab) Oct 7, 2026
  7. [7] Decision 2026: WATCH – U.S. Senate Candidate David Brock Smith Participates in Town Hall(opens in a new tab) Oct 6, 2026
  8. [8] OEA-PAC Endorsements(opens in a new tab) Oct 3, 2026
  9. [9] Sanders, Ocasio-Cortez, Merkley Unveil Ban Flock Act to Protect ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 2, 2026
  10. [10] I'm grateful for every one of you | Jeff Merkley for U.S. Senate, Oregon(opens in a new tab) Oct 1, 2026
  11. [11] Outspent, but not outworked | Jeff Merkley for U.S. Senate, Oregon(opens in a new tab) Sep 26, 2026
  12. [12] Merkley Decries Senate Republicans’ Opposition to His Bipartisan Resolution Condemning PRC’s Transnational Repression - Merkley(opens in a new tab) Sep 24, 2026
  13. [13] I’m running | Jeff Merkley for U.S. Senate, Oregon(opens in a new tab) Sep 21, 2026
  14. [14] Merkley, Wyden Join Bipartisan Congressional Push to Stop Proposed Yosemite Land Transfer to Trump Donor - Merkley(opens in a new tab) Sep 18, 2026
  15. [15] The EPA is selling out our health to line polluter pockets | Jeff Merkley for U.S. Senate, Oregon(opens in a new tab) Sep 18, 2026
  16. [16] We must fight back | Jeff Merkley for U.S. Senate, Oregon(opens in a new tab) Sep 12, 2026
  17. [17] Wyden, Merkley Introduce Bicameral Bill to Protect ...(opens in a new tab) Aug 21, 2026
  18. [18] Merkley Statement on Russia Sanctions to Bolster ...(opens in a new tab) Aug 7, 2026
  19. [19] Merkley, Kamlager-Dove: Congress Must Ensure Safety, Well-Being ...(opens in a new tab) Jul 22, 2026
  20. [20] Senate Passes Landmark Housing Bill with Merkley-Inspired ...(opens in a new tab) Jun 22, 2026
  21. [21] Largest federal employee union endorses Sen. Jeff ...(opens in a new tab) May 4, 2026
  22. [22] WW's May 2026 Endorsements: Congress(opens in a new tab) Apr 29, 2026
  23. [23] Fight Trump and the Oligarchs: Join Our Revolution’s Resistance(opens in a new tab) Apr 11, 2026
  24. [24] Merkley Statement on Senate Republicans Passing the “ ...(opens in a new tab) Jul 1, 2025
  25. [25] Following Senate Vote, Merkley Vows to Keep Fighting to ...(opens in a new tab) May 11, 2022
  26. [26] 2026 United States Senate election in Oregon - Wikipedia(opens in a new tab) Nov 12, 2020
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