Who Is Running for Senate in Oregon in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
Jeffrey Merkley
(Incumbent)Economy
HighJeffrey Merkley advocates for creating good-paying jobs through investments in infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and high-speed broadband, and by supporting "Made in Oregon" manufacturing. He emphasizes strengthening federal laws that protect workers' rights to unionize, ensuring fair wages, paid leave, and access to childcare. Merkley also supports a Green New Deal, aiming to generate family-sustaining jobs and ensure a renewable energy future built domestically with union labor.
Immigration
HighSenator Merkley actively opposes increased funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), stating he will vote against homeland security spending that includes it. He co-introduced the ICE Out of Our Faces Act to ban federal use of facial recognition technology and legislation enabling individuals to sue ICE and CBP for constitutional violations. He emphasizes accountability and the protection of civil liberties.
Healthcare
HighSenator Merkley opposes cuts to healthcare and advocates for extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies to ensure more Americans can afford health care. He voted against legislation that funded the government but did not extend ACA's enhanced premium tax credits, citing it as a brutal blow to affordable care. Merkley also supports a Medicare option, believing it would create competition and lower overall health care costs for Americans, and co-introduced the Restoring Patient Protections and Affordability Act to renew enhanced premium tax credits for three years.
Republican Candidate
No Republican candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Jeffrey Merkley |
|---|---|
| Economy | Jeffrey Merkley advocates for creating good-paying jobs through investments in infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and high-speed broadband, and by supporting "Made in Oregon" manufacturing. He emphasizes strengthening federal laws that protect workers' rights to unionize, ensuring fair wages, paid leave, and access to childcare. Merkley also supports a Green New Deal, aiming to generate family-sustaining jobs and ensure a renewable energy future built domestically with union labor. High |
| Immigration | Senator Merkley actively opposes increased funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), stating he will vote against homeland security spending that includes it. He co-introduced the ICE Out of Our Faces Act to ban federal use of facial recognition technology and legislation enabling individuals to sue ICE and CBP for constitutional violations. He emphasizes accountability and the protection of civil liberties. High |
| Healthcare | Senator Merkley opposes cuts to healthcare and advocates for extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies to ensure more Americans can afford health care. He voted against legislation that funded the government but did not extend ACA's enhanced premium tax credits, citing it as a brutal blow to affordable care. Merkley also supports a Medicare option, believing it would create competition and lower overall health care costs for Americans, and co-introduced the Restoring Patient Protections and Affordability Act to renew enhanced premium tax credits for three years. High |
| Climate & Energy | Senator Jeff Merkley, as Ranking Member of the Senate Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, voted for the Interior-Environment Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriations bill. He views this bill as a solid stride toward protecting public lands, waters, and the outdoor economy by addressing wildfire threats, modernizing water infrastructure, and investing in climate initiatives. Merkley advocates for funding to combat the climate crisis and protect against corporate polluters, supporting provisions like $4.25 billion for wildfire suppression and $3.27 billion for the National Park Service. High |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Jeffrey Merkley strongly supports abortion rights, advocating for unrestricted access to services. He has received 100% ratings from NARAL and Planned Parenthood, indicating his consistent stance. Merkley has also actively led efforts such as the Access to Birth Control Act and signed the MARCH for Military Women Act to expand reproductive care for military women, including exceptions for rape or incest. Medium |
| Foreign Policy | Senator Jeffrey Merkley advocates for a foreign policy centered on diplomacy and limiting presidential military power, emphasizing Congress's constitutional role in declaring war. He has voted to end wars, stop new conflicts, and condemn military escalations, particularly criticizing former President Trump's actions in Iran as unconstitutional. Merkley supports working with allies and believes military force should only be authorized by Congress under extraordinary circumstances involving an imminent threat. High |
| Education | Research pending more substantial sources. Low |
| Gun Policy | Senator Jeff Merkley has stated his opposition to gun policies that he believes prioritize the gun lobby over public safety. He supports closing loopholes in the background check system, citing that 90% of Americans, including majorities of gun owners, desire these changes. Merkley views it as unacceptable that individuals on terrorist watch lists can be denied plane access but still purchase firearms. High |
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