Who's running in Oregon's 6th 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 · Andrea Salinas currently holds this seat
Low confidenceLow confidenceOnly one weak source, dated material, or indirect evidence. Treat specifics with caution.What would raise it: An official filing record and at least one independent report about this candidate would raise this.
What they say they stand for
Their own words. Claims, not verified facts.
Affordable, quality health care and expanded mental health support.
'An economy that works for everyone.'
Clean air, land and water; opposing repeal of the federal Roadless Rule.
Reversing US Forest Service layoffs amid wildfire risk.
Defending the Department of Education and programmes for Oregon families.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
US Representative for Oregon's 6th District since January 2023.
Former Oregon state representative.
Ranking member, House Agriculture Subcommittee on Forestry and Horticulture.
Co-founded the Bipartisan Mental Health Caucus.
Unopposed in the May 19, 2026 Democratic primary; also nominated by the Independent Party of Oregon.
Raised about $282,000 in the first quarter of 2026, according to the Oregon Capital Chronicle.
Arguments in favor
'Andrea believes that change can happen in a generation if you work for it. She knows, because it happened for her' — and she has kept fighting for affordable health care, a fair economy and clean air, land and water.
— Andrea Salinas campaign website
Arguments against
'Andrea Salinas has decided that her Constituents (ie YOU) do not deserve to see her prove her metal in a simple Public Forum' — she agreed in person to a debate in July, but her campaign has not followed through.
— David Russ, Republican opponent, campaign website
What we couldn’t verify
The Salinas campaign's account of the debate discussions was not found.
No NRCC material targeting Salinas was found; the seat is considered safely Democratic.
Returning federal public lands and control of schools, utilities and infrastructure to states and localities.
Ending subsidies that benefit only large corporations and federal programmes aimed at non-citizens.
Making it a federal felony to aid or abet illegal border crossings.
Ending what he calls IRS pursuit of 1099 workers and employers.
Restoring morality and adherence to the Constitution.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
Former mayor of Dundee.
Candidate in the 2024 Republican primary for Oregon's 6th District.
Unopposed in the May 19, 2026 Republican primary.
Reported little or no fundraising in the first quarter of 2026, according to the Oregon Capital Chronicle.
Has not held federal or state office.
Says Salinas's campaign told him in July 2026 she would not take part in a public forum with him, only newspaper and TV editorial boards; he has publicly challenged her to debate.
Lost the 2024 Republican primary to Mike Erickson, about 21% to 74%.
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
No published criticism of Russ could be found, so no arguments are listed for him (his campaign's case is in his positions). Searched: 'David Russ Salinas campaign', 'David Russ criticism', 'Russ Dundee mayor controversy', his 2024 primary debate with Mike Erickson (OPB), Ballotpedia, and East Oregonian fundraising coverage.
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 Andrea Salinas, also nominated by the Independent Party of Oregon, and Republican David Russ; neither had a primary opponent. Nonaffiliated candidate Jason Faler, a Tigard Army veteran, ended his campaign on August 10, 2026 after falling short of the roughly 3,500 petition signatures needed to qualify. The district covers Polk and Yamhill counties and parts of Marion, Clackamas and Washington counties, including Salem. The Cook Political Report rates it solid Democratic.
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.