Politics in the Pacific Northwest feels like a local sport, and if you’ve lived here long enough, you know the names. But there is a massive point of confusion that trips up even the most politically active locals: which state of Oregon senators are we actually talking about?
Most of the time, people are thinking of the "Big Two" in D.C., Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley. Honestly, though, the 30 men and women working under the gold leaf of the State Capitol in Salem probably have a more immediate impact on your daily life, from your property taxes to the state of the I-5. It’s a distinction that matters, especially right now.
The Dual Identity of Oregon’s Representation
You've essentially got two different teams. On the federal side, Ron Wyden is the veteran. He’s been in the U.S. Senate since 1996 and currently chairs the massive Senate Finance Committee. Then there’s Jeff Merkley, who’s been there since 2009. Merkley is actually up for re-election later this year, on November 3, 2026. If you follow national news, these are the guys you see debating climate policy or federal healthcare.
But then you have the Salem crew.
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The Oregon State Senate is a 30-member body. These folks are your neighbors. They are the ones who decide how much money goes to your local school district and whether Oregon will continue its specific approach to drug decriminalization or housing. As of early 2026, the partisan split is 18 Democrats and 12 Republicans.
This 18-12 split is a big deal because it gives Democrats a "supermajority." In Oregon, you need a three-fifths vote to raise taxes, and 18 is exactly that magic number. It basically means if the caucus stays together, they can pass revenue-related bills without a single Republican vote.
Who’s Running the Show in Salem?
If you’re trying to keep track of the power players, start with Rob Wagner. He’s the Senate President, representing District 19 (Lake Oswego). He’s the one who controls the gavel and decides which bills actually see the light of day. On the Republican side, Bruce Starr took over as Minority Leader in late 2025, succeeding Daniel Bonham.
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It’s been a wild few years for this group. You might remember the headlines from 2023 when a group of Republican senators walked out for six weeks to stall legislation. That move led to the passage of Measure 113.
Basically, that measure says if a legislator has 10 or more unexcused absences, they can’t run for re-election. We are seeing the fallout of that right now. Several veteran Republican senators were barred from the 2024 and 2026 ballots because of those absences. This has forced a massive "changing of the guard." In the current 83rd Legislative Assembly, we have a bunch of fresh faces like Anthony Broadman from Bend and Todd Nash from Enterprise.
Why the 2026 Elections Change Everything
Right now, 15 of the 30 seats in the state senate are coming up for a vote. It’s half the chamber. Because of the aforementioned Measure 113, we aren't seeing the same old names on the ballot in places like District 29 or District 30.
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New blood is coming in.
For the average Oregonian, this means the "vibe" of the senate is shifting. The older, more confrontational style of politics is being tested against a new crop of leaders who know the rules of the game have changed. You’ve got people like Kayse Jama leading the Democratic majority, focusing heavily on housing and immigrant rights, while the Republican caucus is trying to rebuild its influence under the new restrictions.
How to Find Your Specific Senator
If you want to know who is actually representing your specific street, don't just Google "Oregon senators." You’ll just get Ron Wyden’s office. Instead, use the Oregon State Legislature’s find-your-district tool.
You’ll find your district number (1 through 30). For example, if you're in the tech corridor of Hillsboro, you're likely looking at Janeen Sollman in District 15. If you're out on the coast near Lincoln City, it's Dick Anderson in District 5.
Actionable Steps for Oregon Voters
- Check Your Registration: Since 2026 is a major election year for both Jeff Merkley at the federal level and 15 state-level senators, ensure your address is current on the Oregon Secretary of State website.
- Follow the "Short Session": Oregon holds shorter legislative sessions in even-numbered years (like 2026). These usually start in February and only last 35 days. It’s a sprint. If there’s a bill you care about, you have to act fast.
- Track the Money: Use the ORESTAR database. It’s a public tool where you can see exactly who is funding the campaigns of your state of Oregon senators.
- Watch Committee Assignments: Most of the real work happens in committees, not on the Senate floor. If you care about the environment, see who is on the Natural Resources Committee. If it’s schools, look at the Education Committee.
The 2026 session is expected to be dominated by discussions on the state’s budget surplus and ongoing adjustments to the state's housing laws. With a supermajority in play and a new crop of Republicans finding their footing, the power dynamic in Salem is more fluid than it has been in a decade. Stay informed by signing up for "E-Clips," which is the legislature's daily news summary, to see how your specific senator is voting on the issues that hit your wallet.