Smith Concedes Oregon Senate Race to Merkley
Republican David Brock Smith congratulated Senator Jeff Merkley on his reelection in a statement following the 2026 general election.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Elections
Republican State Senator David Brock Smith released a statement conceding the 2026 Oregon U.S. Senate general election to Senator Jeff Merkley. Smith congratulated Merkley and said the voters of Oregon made their decision.
Why it matters
The concession settles the outcome of Oregon's 2026 U.S. Senate race and keeps Merkley in his seat for Oregonians. Smith's remarks also signal his intent to continue his work in the Oregon State Legislature.
Smith's concession statement confirms the outcome of the Oregon U.S. Senate race but the source did not include vote tallies or margins. The statement was issued in writing and spoken form following the election results on November 4, 2026.
The players
David Brock Smith
David Brock Smith is a Republican State Senator from Oregon who was a candidate for U.S. Senate in 2026.
Jeff Merkley
Jeff Merkley is a Democratic U.S. Senator from Oregon who was reelected in the 2026 general election.
The details
In a written campaign release, Smith thanked donors, supporters, volunteers and his campaign team while saying he is grateful for their work. He said he looks forward to continued work with Merkley for Oregonians.
Timeline
November 4, 2026: The 2026 General Election was held in Oregon.
November 4, 2026: Smith released his concession statement.
November 5, 2026, 12:30 p.m.: Smith is scheduled to appear on Inside Douglas County on News Radio 93-9 FM and 1240 KQEN.
Legal Context
The concession closes the 2026 Oregon U.S. Senate general election, in which Merkley secured a return to the Senate seat he has held. Smith's statement that voters made their decision reflects the standard conclusion of a contested statewide race.
Oregonians will have Merkley continuing to represent them in the U.S. Senate after the concession settled the race. Smith's plans to remain active in the Oregon State Legislature mean state-level policy work will continue from his current seat.
The takeaway
The concession shows the 2026 Oregon Senate contest has been decided, with Merkley's return to Washington now set. Readers tracking Oregon politics can follow Smith's planned remarks on his legislative future.
What happens next
Smith will appear on Inside Douglas County on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. to discuss his thoughts on the campaign and his plans for the Oregon State Legislature.
Further reading
For more on how statewide races are decided, see Elections coverage across Oregon.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KQEN News Radio.
