Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) confirmed he will run for a fourth term in office next year despite some speculation that he may retire.
The progressive senator, who has served since 2009, announced his decision in a Thursday post on the social platform X, saying the country is in “a critical moment for our rights, our democracy, and a future where every American can thrive.”
He said in a video accompanying the post that he chose to run for reelection to fight for Oregonians and help defend the country.
“I’m running for a better vision of America, not Trump’s vision of ‘families lose and billionaires win,’ but the vision of ‘families thrive and billionaires, they pay their fair share,’” he said.
Merkley said he’s also running to oppose President Trump’s “authoritarian strongman state” and save the Constitution’s system of checks and balances.
Some speculated that Merkley, who will turn 70 just weeks before Election Day 2026, might retire rather than seek another term, which would have set up a competitive primary to replace him.
Oregon Democratic Reps. Andrea Salinas and Janelle Bynum both received some attention as possible candidates in the event Merkley chose not to run.
But Merkley’s decision should likely ensure his renomination in the Democratic primary and reelection to another term in the solidly Democratic-leaning state. Oregon hasn’t had a Republican senator since Merkley first took office.
Merkley’s campaign website states that some of his top priorities include ending gerrymandering and the influence of big money in politics, reversing the effects of climate change and enacting Medicare for All.
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