Oregon's Jeff Merkley will seek a 4th term in US Senate, ending speculation
Source: KLCC/NPR Eugene, OR
Published July 10, 2025 at 3:07 PM PDT
U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley announced Thursday he plans to run for re-election next year, shattering speculation his congressional career was coming to an end.
“For years, I’ve worked to lift up the voices of ordinary Americans and take on the powerful interests that rig our system,” Merkley said in a statement. “Now, with Donald Trump and his MAGA cronies working overtime to destroy the checks and balances of our ‘We the People government’ and shred programs families rely on, we’re in the fight of our lives, and I’m not backing down.”
Merkley’s decision comes more than a week after a self-imposed June 30 deadline the senator had set earlier this year for announcing his intentions.
The announcement means the U.S. Senate will likely keep one of its most outspoken progressives in 2027. It also squashes tentative plans to run by some members of Oregon’s congressional delegation. Among those said to have been interested in the role are Democratic U.S. Reps. Suzanne Bonamici, Andrea Salinas and Maxine Dexter.
Read more: https://www.klcc.org/politics-government/2025-07-10/oregons-jeff-merkley-will-seek-a-4th-term-in-us-senate-ending-speculation