Merkley Wins Reelection to Senate in Oregon
Democrat Jeff Merkley was projected to win a fourth term representing Oregon in the U.S. Senate over Republican David Brock Smith.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Elections
Sen. Jeff Merkley was projected to win reelection to the U.S. Senate from Oregon, leading Republican David Brock Smith 59 percent to 38 percent with 51 percent of the vote reported. The projection was based on vote returns as of 11 p.m. EST.
Why it matters
Merkley's projected win keeps Oregon's Senate seat in Democratic hands and extends his tenure, which began in 2009. The lopsided margin and large fundraising gap reflect a race in which national parties largely stayed out.
With 51 percent of the vote reported, Merkley led Smith 59 percent to 38 percent, a 21-point gap. Merkley raised about $8 million compared with roughly $300,000 for Smith, and the final count had not yet been completed at the time of the projection.
The players
Jeff Merkley
Jeff Merkley is the Democratic U.S. senator from Oregon who has held the seat since 2009 and is the top Democrat on the Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee.
David Brock Smith
David Brock Smith is the Republican candidate who ran against Merkley in the Oregon Senate race.
The details
Merkley, 70, has served in the Senate since 2009 and is the top Democrat on the Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs. He previously served one term as a state legislator and as speaker of the Oregon House, and in October 2025 delivered a speech of over 22 hours on the Senate floor.
Timeline
October 2025: Merkley delivered a 22-plus hour Senate floor speech.
November 4, 2026, 11 p.m. EST: Vote returns showed Merkley leading with 51 percent reported, and the race was projected.
Political Context
Merkley was the only senator to endorse Bernie Sanders for president in 2016, a position that marked him as an outlier among his Senate colleagues. His reelection extends a career defined by that progressive positioning in Oregon.
For Oregon voters, the result determines who represents the state in the Senate for the next term. Merkley's continued seniority on the Banking Committee affects federal housing and financial policy that reaches Oregon households.
The takeaway
Oregon voters chose continuity in the Senate, returning a veteran Democrat with a large fundraising advantage. Watch for final certified totals to confirm the margin beyond the partial count.
Further reading
Explore more in Elections coverage for Oregon races and results.
