# 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.

## Key facts

- Party: Democrat
- Office sought: U.S. Senate
- Current office: U.S. Senator
- State: OR
- Race: Oregon U.S. Senate 2026
- Incumbent status: incumbent
- Campaign website: https://www.jeffmerkley.com/

## 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.

## Key stats

- Current office: U.S. Senator (Representing Oregon since 2009)
- Education: Stanford B.A.; Princeton M.P.A. (First in his family to graduate from college)
- Oregon legislature: 1999–2008 (Speaker of the Oregon House, 2007–2008)
- Nonprofit leadership: Affordable housing (Led Portland Habitat for Humanity)
- 2026 race: Democratic nominee (Seeking a fourth U.S. Senate term)

## Timeline

- 1979-01-01 — Graduated from Stanford University: Merkley earned a Bachelor of Arts from Stanford University and became the first person in his family to graduate from college.
- 1982-01-01 — Earned graduate degree from Princeton: Merkley earned a Master of Public Affairs from Princeton University.
- 1991-01-01 — Returned to Oregon to lead Portland Habitat for Humanity: After national-security and budget work in Washington, Merkley returned to Oregon and became executive director of Portland Habitat for Humanity.
- 1999-01-03 — Began service in the Oregon House: Merkley began serving in the Oregon House of Representatives, representing an East Portland-area district.
- 2007-01-03 — Became Speaker of the Oregon House: Merkley served as speaker of the Oregon House during his final legislative term.
- 2008-11-04 — Elected to the U.S. Senate: Merkley defeated incumbent Senator Gordon Smith and won election to the U.S. Senate.
- 2009-01-03 — Began U.S. Senate service: Merkley began representing Oregon in the U.S. Senate.
- 2025-07-10 — Announced 2026 reelection campaign: Merkley announced that he would seek a fourth U.S. Senate term in 2026.
- 2026-05-19 — Advanced to the 2026 general election: Merkley became the Democratic nominee and advanced to the November general election against Republican David Brock Smith.

Last updated: 2026-08-06T22:04:17.656Z

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Source: Transparency Report — https://transparencyreport.io/candidates/jeff-merkley-oregon-d-2026
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