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2026 U.S. Senate election in Oregon
Oregon’s 2026 U.S. Senate race is for the state’s Class II seat in the U.S. Senate, currently held by Democrat Jeff Merkley. It is an open-and-shut incumbent reelection race in a strongly Democratic state, and multiple nonpartisan race ratings currently classify it as safely or solidly Democratic. The main contrast is between Merkley, a long-serving progressive incumbent, and a Republican field that includes several lesser-known challengers, with issues such as the economy, public safety, climate, and federal governance likely to frame the contest.
Candidates
Jeff Merkley
Jeff Merkley is the incumbent U.S. senator from Oregon and is seeking a fourth term in 2026. He has built his brand around progressive priorities including democracy reform, climate policy, consumer protection, and working-family economics.
Paul Damian Wells is a Democratic primary challenger to Jeff Merkley in Oregon’s 2026 U.S. Senate race. Publicly available information on his background and campaign is limited compared with the incumbent, and he appears to be running as a lesser-known challenger in the primary.
Brent Barker is a Republican candidate in Oregon’s 2026 U.S. Senate primary. Ballotpedia and news coverage describe him as a commercial real estate broker, but detailed public campaign information is limited.
Deborah Brown is a Republican candidate in Oregon’s 2026 U.S. Senate primary. Publicly available reporting identifies her as a retired civil engineer, but there is limited campaign-specific information available in the sources reviewed.
David Burch is a Republican candidate in Oregon’s 2026 U.S. Senate primary. Available public sources describe him as a perennial candidate, but detailed biographical information is sparse in the materials reviewed.
Russell McAlmond is a Republican candidate in Oregon’s 2026 U.S. Senate primary. Public sources reviewed describe him as a businessman, but there is limited additional biographical detail available in the search results.
Jo Rae Perkins is a Republican candidate in Oregon’s 2026 U.S. Senate primary and has previously been the party’s nominee for U.S. Senate in 2020 and 2022. She is a recurring figure in Oregon Republican politics and has also held local party leadership roles.
Timothy Skelton is a Republican candidate in Oregon’s 2026 U.S. Senate primary. His campaign materials emphasize jobs, schools, and forest policy, and describe him as a Scoutmaster and job creator.
David Brock Smith is a Republican Oregon state senator who entered the 2026 U.S. Senate race. He has represented coastal southwest Oregon in the state legislature and is running on a platform that his campaign says focuses on working families, public safety, addiction, and homelessness.
Data Analysis Information
Data compiled from public sources and analyzed using AI. Last updated 4/6/2026. Visit candidate websites for the most current information.