DJeff Merkley
Democratic · incumbent
RDavid Brock Smith
Republican
Background
Princeton School of Public and International Affairs
Princeton University
Stanford University
Associate degree, Southwestern Oregon Community College
Attended Southern Oregon University
Work experience
Campaign sites, official bios, Wikipedia, Ballotpedia
United States senator · 2009–now
Speaker · 2007–2009
Member of the Oregon House of Representatives · 1999–2009
Habitat for Humanity
World Affairs Councils of America
Member of the Oregon House of Representatives · 2023–now
Oregon State Senator, District 1 · 2023
Oregon State Representative, House District 1 · 2017–2023
Curry County Commissioner
Port Orford City Council President
Owner, family restaurant (Port & Starboard, Port Orford)
Polls
Every poll (1)
PollsterMidpointMerkleySmithCalled for Jeff Merkley (D)Nov 45839
• in the average
Money
$6.6M
$44K
From small donors
Under $200
30%
43%
None
None
Record in Congress
Not in the current Congress
0.8%
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Laken Riley Act
Requires federal detention of immigrants in the country illegally who are charged with theft or violent crimes.
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HALT Fentanyl Act
Permanently classifies fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs.
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One Big Beautiful Bill Act
Budget reconciliation law covering taxes, spending, Medicaid and SNAP.
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GENIUS Act
Sets federal rules for payment stablecoins.
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Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026
Funding bill that ended the fall 2025 government shutdown.
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Secure America Act
2026 budget reconciliation bill.
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Issues
Economy and cost of living · Oregon, last 10 years
Economy, real GDP growth
+1.4%2025
Unemployment rate
5.2%2026 so far
Rent, yearly change · West region
+2.3%2026 so far
Home prices, yearly change
+1.9%2026 so far
“We can create millions of good-paying jobs rebuilding America's infrastructure from roads and bridges to docks and jetties.”
jeffmerkley.com ↗Not on their site
“We should give every American the opportunity to participate in simple, seamless, cost-effective Medicare for All.”
jeffmerkley.com ↗Not on their site
Immigration and the border · Oregon, last 10 years
Net international migration
2.3 per 1,0002025
Taxes and spending · Oregon, last 10 years
State taxes, share of the economy
6.0%2025
Not on their site
“That means no new taxes, more support for our local businesses, eliminating fraud, and reducing unnecessary government spending.”
davidbrocksmithfororegon.com ↗