Oregon Democrats Hold Seats

Democrats are on track to retain five of six U.S. House seats in Oregon, and U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley is securing a fourth term in the Senate. Early returns from Tuesday night elections show a consistent pattern of Democratic strength across the state's congressional map.

Merkley, the state's junior senator, faces his toughest competition since defeating U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith in 2008. However, current tallies show him leading state Sen. David Brock Smith of Port Orford, 59% to 38%.

In the 5th District, U.S. Rep. Janelle Bynum maintains a lead over Patti Adair, a Deschutes County commissioner. The race covers a region from South Portland to Bend, an area with a tight voter registration split. Bynum won the seat two years ago by unseating U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer. Recent campaigning focused on the aftermath of a shooting at Silver Rail Elementary in Bend, where a teenage shooter killed two children and a teacher before a parent killed the shooter. Bynum currently leads Adair 59% to 38%.

U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici leads political newcomer Barbara Kahl in the 1st District, 73% to 26%. In the 6th District, U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas holds a 57% to 42% lead over Republican challenger David Russ.

The remaining races are less competitive. U.S. Rep. Maxine Dexter of the 3rd District, one of the bluest districts in the nation, ran with little opposition.