Jeff Merkley
Jeff Merkley has served as Oregon’s U.S. senator since 2009 and is seeking a fourth term in 2026. He previously served in the Oregon House of Representatives, including as speaker, and led nonprofit affordable-housing organizations. Merkley is the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Oregon’s 2026 election.
- Party: Democrat
- Office sought: U.S. Senate
- State: OR
- Current office: U.S. Senator
Incumbency status: incumbent
Biography
Jeff Merkley was born in Myrtle Creek, Oregon, and became the first person in his family to graduate from college. He earned a B.A. from Stanford University in 1979 and an M.P.A. from Princeton University in 1982. Before elected office, he worked as a national-security analyst at the Pentagon and Congressional Budget Office, led Portland Habitat for Humanity, and served as president of the World Affairs Council of Oregon. Merkley served in the Oregon House from 1999 to 2008, including as speaker, and was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2008. He is seeking a fourth term in Oregon’s 2026 Senate election.