Portland, Ore. – November 3, 2026 — Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after he was elected to a fourth term in the U.S. Senate:
“Tonight, we stand together to stop Trump’s authoritarian assault on our nation.
“His goal has been to pursue government by and for the rich and powerful, while caring little about the suffering of ordinary families. It’s a ‘billionaires win, families lose’ strategy. That is not what our nation needs. Tonight, Democrats stand for a government and nation in which families thrive, and the rich and powerful pay their fair share.
“I cannot say enough about the support of my family as we weighed running for a fourth term in the Senate. Mary and I wrestled with that question, and decided that at this moment, with Trump launching the greatest attack on our constitutional republic since the Civil War, we had to be in the fight. She and our children have stood with me time and time again, despite the trials and tribulations of serving in the public spotlight.
“I thank Oregonians across our state for being with me as I fight for a better future.
“For years, I’ve worked to lift up the voices of ordinary Americans and take on the powerful interests that rig our system, and I thank the Oregon voters for sending me back to the U.S. Senate to fight on behalf of all Oregonians.
“The future of our country in this century depends on investing in our families and infrastructure. We must invest in the four foundations for a family to thrive: health care, affordable housing, quality education, and good-paying jobs. Investments in families will reap rewards many times over for the generations to come. And economic success and security will not come from having the most troops, the most tanks, or the most ships. It will come from investments in research, tech, and a transportation system that supports efficient manufacturing. If we don’t make things in America, we won’t have a middle class in America.
“This is a dark and dangerous time for our democracy, but as I observe results across the nation tonight, I am optimistic about the future. I’m optimistic because Americans weighed in tonight against Trump’s strongman state. Against his grift and corruption; against his vote rigging and manipulation; against his disregard of our constitutional separation of powers; against his war and his secret police; and most of all, against his strategy of enriching the richest among us while pressing families against the wall.
“Throughout this campaign, I’ve called on Oregonians and Americans to ‘Save our Republic.’ Tonight, they delivered.”