Krause, Hicks to Compete for Oregon Senate District 3
Candidates will face off on November 3, 2026, for the seat vacated by retiring Senator Jeff Golden.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Elections
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Denise Krause and Brad Hicks are vying for the Oregon Senate District 3 seat in the November 3, 2026, general election. Clay Bearnson is also running for the southern Jackson County seat as the Independent Party of Oregon nominee.
Why it matters
The outcome of this race is critical to Republican efforts to prevent the Democratic Party from securing a supermajority in the Oregon Senate. The seat opened following the retirement of incumbent Democratic State Senator Jeff Golden.
The Oregon Senate features 30 total seats, with half on the ballot this cycle. A 60 percent supermajority threshold determines legislative control.
The players
Denise Krause
She is a candidate for the Oregon Senate District 3 seat in the upcoming general election.
Brad Hicks
He is a candidate for the Oregon Senate District 3 seat in the upcoming general election.
Clay Bearnson
He is the Independent Party of Oregon nominee for the Senate District 3 seat.
Jeff Golden
He is the retiring Democratic State Senator who currently holds the District 3 seat.
The details
Candidates are campaigning in a district where non-affiliated voters outnumber registrations for both major parties. This election cycle follows a 2023 legislative walkout that prevented three Republican senators from seeking reelection.
Timeline
The 6-week legislative walkout took place in 2023.
The general election occurs on November 3, 2026.
Political Context
Republicans are focused on preventing a Democratic supermajority, which requires a 60 percent share of the 30-seat Senate. This effort mirrors the broader legislative battle to maintain influence over the state's revenue-raising authority.
Residents of southern Jackson County will help decide the balance of power in the state legislature on November 3. The outcome may impact state tax policies and funding priorities for the upcoming legislative session.
The takeaway
District 3 voters are key to shaping the future influence of the Oregon Senate during this election. Non-affiliated voters in the region will play a decisive role in the final tally.
Further reading
For additional context on the upcoming vote, visit the Oregon Elections page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KOBI-TV NBC5 / KOTI-TV NBC2.
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