ONE IN, ONE PONDERING: On June 30, three days after the legislative session fizzled to a close, Gov. Tina Kotek reported a $50,000 in-kind contribution from the Democratic Governors Association. The money went to a Washington, D.C., polling firm that often works for leading Democrats, more indication that Kotek will soon announce her 2026 reelection bid. Meanwhile, U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) is now more than a week past the self-imposed deadline he set in April for announcing whether he will seek a fourth term in 2026. Merkley’s continued silence is fanning speculation he will not run, a prospect that has two Portland-area Democratic congresswomen, U.S. Reps. Maxine Dexter (3rd District) and Andrea Salinas (6th District), jockeying for pole position to replace him. Merkley’s spokeswoman, Maggie Sunstrum, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Blake Benard is a Lead Content Producer at KULR 8. He specializes in health and wellness topics, focusing on various aspects of health to inform and engage his audience. Blake's work has been featured in notable publications such as Science News Magazine, Willamette Week, Phoenix New Times, and The Verde Independent.
