Oregon

Oregon entered the Union on February 14, 1859 as the 33rd state. Oregon reached statehood on the eve of the Civil War, building on an earlier frontier era defined by overland migration, Pacific trade, timber, farming, and the politics of the far West. Today its state government is centered in Salem and follows the bicameral model with a governor, a Senate, and a House of Representatives.

Median household income$80,160
Poverty rate12.2%
Median age40.7
GovernorTina Kotek (Democratic)
Next statewide electionNovember 3, 2026

Government & Representation

Use this section to understand how the state organizes executive authority, legislative power, and federal representation.

Oregon organizes state government through an elected governor and a bicameral Legislative Assembly composed of a Senate and a House of Representatives. The state’s structure is also shaped by a strong tradition of direct democracy through initiatives and referendums.

GovernorTina Kotek (Democratic)oregon.gov

LegislatureOregon Legislative Assembly

Legislature structureBicameral

Legislative chambersSenate and House of Representatives

State legislature websiteoregonlegislature.gov

Legislative searchoregonlegislature.gov

State constitutionoregonlegislature.gov

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U.S. Senators

Each state elects two U.S. senators to represent it in the Senate.

Senator Jeff Merkley

Oregon

Democratic Party

Jeff has served in Congress since 2009.

Senator Ron Wyden

Oregon

Democratic Party

Ron has served in Congress since 1996.

U.S. House delegation

House seats are apportioned by population and organized by congressional district, except for at-large delegations where applicable.

Representative Andrea Salinas

Oregon District 6

Democratic Party

Andrea has served in Congress since 2023.

Representative Cliff Bentz

Oregon District 2

Republican Party

Cliff has served in Congress since 2021.

Representative Janelle S. Bynum

Oregon District 5

Democratic Party

Janelle has served in Congress since 2025.

Representative Maxine Dexter

Oregon District 3

Democratic Party

Maxine has served in Congress since 2025.

Representative Suzanne Bonamici

Oregon District 1

Democratic Party

Suzanne has served in Congress since 2012.

Representative Val T. Hoyle

Oregon District 4

Democratic Party

Val has served in Congress since 2023.