That agency head, Ben Edtl, is a Tualatin-based political consultant who is also the chief petitioner for a 2026 ballot initiative that would end Oregon’s pioneering vote-by-mail system. Edtl, 47, is a rising player in the MAGA wing of the Oregon Republican Party.

The challenge comes as more Oregonians than ever are excluded from primary contests that decide many general elections.

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

Oregon, announced Thursday that he will seek re-election to a fourth term in 2026, "pledging to continue to fight for working families and stand firm against growing threats to democracy, freedom, and economic justice,

U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) told the Oregon Journalism Project in an interview Thursday morning that he will run for a fourth term next year.

The challenge comes as more Oregonians than ever are excluded from primary contests that decide many general elections.