Oregon Congressional Candidates Raise Over $2.4 Million This Quarter

Candidates vying for U.S. Congressional seats from Oregon collectively raised over $2.4 million in the third quarter of 2023, according to federal campaign finance records. This reporting period, covering July 1 to September 30, required candidates to submit their financial disclosures to the Federal Election Commission (FEC) by October 15.

Among Oregon’s congressional delegation, Senator Jeff Merkley led in fundraising, accumulating $818,000 while spending $364,000. With $5.1 million remaining in his campaign fund—largely composed of rollover funds from previous cycles—Merkley continues to maintain a strong financial position ahead of the upcoming election. His colleague, Senator Ron Wyden, is not facing reelection until 2028.

All six of Oregon’s U.S. House representatives are expected to seek reelection. The incumbents—Democrats Suzanne Bonamici, Janelle Bynum, Maxine Dexter, Val Hoyle, and Andrea Salinas, along with Republican Cliff Bentz—are preparing for a competitive electoral landscape.

Fundraising Insights and Competitive Districts

Bynum, representing Oregon’s 3rd Congressional District, raised nearly $700,000 this quarter and spent $164,000, leaving her with $1.4 million in campaign funds. Her victory in the 2024 election was narrow, winning 47.7% of the vote against Lori Chavez-Deremer, who garnered 45%. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has identified Bynum as one of the incumbents vulnerable to losing in the upcoming cycle. So far, Republican Jonathan Lockwood has filed to run against her but has not reported any financial activity to the FEC.

In the race for Oregon’s 6th Congressional District, Andrea Salinas raised $277,000 and spent $137,000, leaving her with $470,000 in campaign funds. Republican David Russ has declared his intention to run but has not yet reported any fundraising activity.

Oregon’s 4th Congressional District, which includes Eugene, remains competitive. Val Hoyle won 51.7% of the vote in the last election, and her campaign raised $238,000 this quarter while spending $125,000. She has $348,000 remaining in her campaign fund. Hoyle’s opponent in the upcoming election, Monque DeSpain, has not yet reported any funds to the FEC but claims to have raised $215,000 this quarter. Additionally, Democrat Melissa Bird has filed to run against Hoyle, raising $17,000 in this reporting period.

Candidates in Safe Districts and Emerging Challenges

The districts represented by Bonamici, Dexter, and Bentz are considered safe, as all three incumbents achieved over 60% of the vote in their last elections. Bonamici raised $116,000 this quarter and spent $106,000, leaving her with $517,000 in available funds with no challengers yet filed against her in the 1st Congressional District.

Dexter, who represents the 3rd Congressional District, reported raising approximately $151,000 this quarter and spending $168,000, resulting in $172,000 left to spend. She currently has no declared opponents.

Bentz, representing the 2nd District, raised $184,000 and spent $100,000, leaving him with $1.2 million in campaign funds. He faces potential challengers, including two Republicans, Russell McAlmond and Peter Larson, as well as Democrat Rebecca Mueller. None of these candidates have reported fundraising figures to the FEC so far.

As the political landscape evolves, candidates are gearing up for the May 2026 primary, with incumbents required to file by March 3 and challengers by March 10. For a complete list of candidates who have filed for the November 2026 elections, voters can visit the Oregon Secretary of State website.