SALEM, Ore. – Oregon’s 2026 election season is officially underway. As of Thursday, candidates for state and local office can begin filing to run, kicking off what will be a high-stakes year for federal, state, and local contests.
Next November, voters will weigh in on an array of races: a U.S. Senate seat, six congressional seats, the governorship, labor commissioner, 15 state Senate seats, 60 House seats, and hundreds of local offices across the state.
U.S. Senate: Merkley Seeks Fourth Term
Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley, first elected in 2008, announced in July that he will seek reelection. Merkley cited the “magnitude of the darkness and danger” presented by former President Donald Trump as his reason for continuing to serve.
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Merkley has consistently won reelection with more than 55% of the vote, and while Oregon leans blue in statewide races, Republicans are expected to field a challenger. Still, at this stage, political analysts do not expect Merkley to face a serious threat.
Congress: All Six Expected Back
Oregon’s six House members are all anticipated to run again:
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Suzanne Bonamici (D-1st)
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Janelle Bynum (D-5th)
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Maxine Dexter (D-3rd)
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Val Hoyle (D-4th)
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Andrea Salinas (D-6th)
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Cliff Bentz (R-2nd)
In recent cycles, Oregon was a congressional battleground, especially in the 4th, 5th, and 6th districts, now held by Hoyle, Bynum, and Salinas. For 2026, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) has flagged Bynum’s seat as potentially vulnerable, while Republicans have not listed any Oregon districts as top targets.
Governor: Kotek’s Future Unclear
Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek, who won a narrow race in 2022 after nearly a decade as Oregon House Speaker, has not yet confirmed if she will seek a second term.
On the Republican side, Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell has formally announced her candidacy. Former House Minority Leader Christine Drazan, Kotek’s GOP opponent in 2022, has hinted at another run after commissioning polls, though she has not officially declared. The race could become one of Oregon’s marquee statewide contests if both women enter.
Labor Commissioner: Stephenson Files for Reelection
Democrat Christina Stephenson, elected in 2022, filed Thursday to seek another term as Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI). Known for keeping a low profile in office, Stephenson currently faces no declared challengers.
Oregon Senate: Four Vacancies Already Set
Half of the Oregon Senate’s 30 seats will be on the ballot in 2026. Democrats hold an 18-12 advantage, but at least four Republican senators cannot seek reelection because of a 2023 voter-approved constitutional amendment.
Those barred are Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles), Cedric Hayden (R-Falls Creek), Kim Thatcher (R-Keizer), and Suzanne Weber (R-Tillamook), all of whom participated in a six-week walkout last year over Democratic bills.
Several of these seats are in competitive districts, particularly Thatcher’s Salem-area district and Weber’s coastal district. On the Democratic side, Jeff Golden (D-Ashland) and Deb Patterson (D-Salem) also face reelection in politically mixed areas.
Already, candidates are lining up:
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Rep. Jeff Helfrich (R-Hood River) will run for Bonham’s Senate seat.
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Rep. Jami Cate (R-Lebanon) plans to run for Hayden’s seat.
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Former Rep. Tracy Cramer (R) announced for Thatcher’s seat.
Oregon House: Dozens of Contests Ahead
All 60 House seats will be contested in 2026. Democrats currently hold a 37-23 majority after Rep. Cyrus Javadi (Tillamook) switched from Republican to Democrat earlier this year.
Several seats are already opening up:
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Rep. Annessa Hartman (D-Gladstone) will run for the Clackamas County Commission, leaving her House seat vacant.
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Helfrich and Cate running for the Senate opens up two more Republican seats.
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Rep. John Lively (D-Springfield) will retire. Springfield City Councilor Kori Radley has entered the race for his seat.
With retirements, party switches, and incumbents seeking higher office, the 2026 House elections will be fluid and closely watched.
Local and Broader Implications
Beyond statewide and legislative races, Oregonians will also vote for county commissions, city councils, school boards, and other local offices. While these contests draw less attention, they often shape policy on housing, public safety, and education.
The 2026 elections will also test Oregon’s political climate under Trump’s renewed influence at the national level. With Democrats controlling most statewide offices, Republicans hope to leverage discontent over homelessness, public safety, and taxes to regain ground.
Conclusion
The official start of Oregon’s 2026 election season signals the beginning of six months of candidate filings and campaigning ahead of the March 10 deadline. From Merkley’s Senate reelection bid to competitive state Senate races and the uncertain gubernatorial field, voters can expect a lively and consequential year at the ballot box.
