Who's running in Oregon's 3rd congressional district
2 candidates are on the ballot. Below is what each one says they stand for, what they have actually done in office or in public life, and the arguments published for and against them — each quoted from a named source rather than summarised by us.
2 candidates · ballot order · Maxine Dexter currently holds this seat
Medium confidenceMedium confidenceThe candidate's stated positions and basic record are documented, but coverage is thin — often little independent reporting, or criticism from only one side.What would raise it: More independent reporting, a documented voting record, or published criticism from a named opponent would raise this.
What they say they stand for
Their own words. Claims, not verified facts.
Abolishing ICE and redirecting its funding to benefit immigrant communities; ending child detention.
Repealing the 2025 Republican tax law, restoring the top marginal rate and closing corporate loopholes.
Restoring checks and balances by winning back a Democratic House majority.
Working across the aisle on bipartisan legislation.
Blocking certain weapons transfers to Israel and supporting a war powers resolution.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
US Representative for Oregon's 3rd District since January 2025.
Oregon state representative, House District 33, 2020–2025.
Physician for more than two decades.
Says she has held more than 40 town halls and introduced 13 bills, one of which became law.
Introduced H.R. 5941, the Restoring Access for Detainees Act, and helped introduce a resolution to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Won the May 19, 2026 Democratic primary.
Arguments in favor
She 'has largely made good and shown independence', signing onto the Block the Bombs Act and war powers resolution, and has used oversight well against ICE, including helping free a constituent family with four children from detention.
— Portland Mercury endorsement editorial
'With over 40 town halls and robust constituent services, I have proven my commitment to listen… I have a proven record of legislative success at the state and federal level.'
— Maxine Dexter, Street Roots candidate questionnaire
Arguments against
She 'failed to denounce AIPAC-aligned donations' to her 2024 campaign, which 'was concerning for a lot of voters'.
— Portland Mercury endorsement editorial
What we couldn’t verify
No published criticism of Dexter by her Republican opponent was found; the seat is considered safely Democratic.
Whether the candidates will debate had not been reported.
Nominated as the Republican candidate in the May 19, 2026 primary and qualified for the general election ballot.
Heavy equipment operator, per Vote-USA's candidate listing.
Arguments in favor
We found none published about this candidate in the sources reviewed.
Arguments against
We found none published about this candidate in the sources reviewed.
What we couldn’t verify
Nothing substantive about Ayles could be found, so no arguments are listed. Searched: 'Loran Ayles Republican Oregon 3rd congressional district', Vote-USA, GoodParty.org, BallotReady, the Secretary of State's certified ballot and Wikipedia; no news coverage, campaign website or statements turned up.
Positions and criticism are quoted from the named sources, not our assessments. This is built to help you start getting informed — confirm the official candidate list with your election authority before you vote.
Oregon held its primaries on May 19, 2026; November 3 is the general election, decided by plurality with no runoff. No redistricting or map litigation affecting Oregon's 2026 congressional lines was found. Two candidates are qualified for the ballot on the Secretary of State's candidate filings list: Democratic incumbent Maxine Dexter, who beat Jessica Salas and Andrew Castilleja in the primary, and Republican Loran Ayles. The district covers most of Portland and east Multnomah, Hood River and north Clackamas counties.
This is one contest on a longer ballot
A Oregon ballot also carries state legislative districts, county offices, judicial seats and often local questions — and which of them you vote on is decided by your street address, not your city or ZIP code.