04.11.2026 07:50
In the US midterm elections, Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley defeated his Republican rival David Brock Smith in the state of Oregon and was re-elected. According to Decision Desk HQ's projection, at the stage when 51 percent of the votes had been counted, Merkley had 59 percent and his rival 38 percent. Merkley, known for his harsh criticism of Trump and who in 2025 gave a protest speech lasting more than 22 hours in the Senate, retained the office he has held since 2009 by a 21-point margin.
In the midterm elections held in the US on November 3, Democratic Party candidate in Oregon Jeff Merkley achieved election victory against Republican rival David Brock Smith. According to the projection of The Hill's election data partner Decision Desk HQ, the 70-year-old Merkley once again won voters' support in Oregon, which he has represented since 2009.
HE BEAT HIS RIVAL BY 21 POINTS
According to data Decision Desk HQ shared as of 23:00 US Eastern Time, with 51 percent of votes counted, Democratic candidate Jeff Merkley received 59 percent and Republican David Brock Smith 38 percent.
With the difference between the two candidates reaching 21 points, Merkley was projected to be re-elected. In Oregon, where Democrats are strong, Merkley was considered highly likely to win from the start of the race.
IN THE SENATE SINCE 2009
The 70-year-old Jeff Merkley served in the Oregon state legislature before being elected to the US Senate. Merkley, who also served a term as Speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives, was elected to the Senate in 2008 and took office in 2009.
Known throughout his long political career for policies close to the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, Merkley advocated various reform proposals in Congress.
Merkley, who called for reforming the filibuster used to prolong Senate debates and which can delay votes on bills, also made efforts to ban members of Congress from trading stocks.
HE HAD GIVEN A SPEECH LASTING MORE THAN 22 HOURS AGAINST TRUMP
Jeff Merkley is also known for his harsh criticism of US President Donald Trump. In October 2025, the Democratic senator targeted the Trump administration with a speech lasting more than 22 hours on the Senate floor.
In his speech, Merkley accused Trump of "authoritarianism" and "tyranny," drawing attention with his prolonged protest against the administration's policies. This speech by Merkley was among the longest in Senate history.
HE CRITICIZED ARMS SALES TO ISRAEL AND SAUDI ARABIA
Merkley, one of the progressive figures of the Democratic Party, was the only senator to support Bernie Sanders in the 2016 presidential election. Merkley, who also advocated views similar to Sanders on foreign policy, was among those who criticized US arms sales to Israel and Saudi Arabia.
Merkley serves as the top Democratic member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee in the current Congress. In this role, he advocates tightening oversight of Wall Street to protect the housing market and banking system.
BIG MONEY GAP IN ELECTION CAMPAIGNS
There was also a notable difference between the campaign donations raised by the candidates in the Senate race in Oregon. While Republican candidate David Brock Smith raised approximately $300,000 in donations, Democratic Jeff Merkley's campaign budget reached $8 million. In addition to the large difference between the two candidates' campaign resources, national party organizations were involved in the race only to a limited extent because Oregon is a state where Democrats are strong.
With Decision Desk HQ's projection, Merkley's re-election ensured that Democrats retained the Senate seat in Oregon.