PORTLAND, Ore. / VANCOUVER, Wash. — November 4, 2026
Residents across Oregon and Washington are getting their first clear picture of the results of the November 3 midterm elections. Winners have been declared in several major races, but election officials are still processing ballots, and official certification will take place later.
For the Pacific Northwest, these elections carry particular significance. Voters decided who will represent them in Congress, who will lead Oregon's state government, and how local issues involving public spending, taxes, and public safety will be addressed.
WE PNW examines the major results available as of November 4, explaining what has already been decided and what remains unresolved.
Oregon: Tina Kotek Wins Reelection as Governor
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek, a Democrat, has secured a second four-year term after defeating Republican Christine Drazan.
According to Oregon Public Broadcasting, Kotek received approximately 52% of the vote in preliminary returns, compared with roughly 45% for Drazan.
Although the winner has been determined, final vote totals must still go through the state's official certification process.
For residents of Portland and other Oregon communities, Kotek's reelection means continuity in state leadership. Housing construction, homelessness, education, health care, and economic development remain central issues for her second term.
However, the election result does not immediately change government programs or budgets. Specific policy decisions will depend on actions taken by the governor's administration, state lawmakers, and available funding.
Jeff Merkley Retains His U.S. Senate Seat
Democratic U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley has also won reelection in Oregon.
According to preliminary results reported by OPB, Merkley received approximately 57% of the vote, compared with about 40% for Republican David Brock Smith.
Merkley has represented Oregon in the U.S. Senate since 2009. His new term will last six years.
The Senate helps shape federal legislation, considers presidential nominations, and plays a role in foreign policy and international treaties.
As a result, Senate elections can have consequences extending far beyond the states in which they take place.
Washington: Marie Gluesenkamp Perez Wins in the 3rd Congressional District
One of the most significant results for Southwest Washington is the reelection of U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez.
She represents Washington's 3rd Congressional District, which includes Vancouver, much of Clark County, and other communities across Southwest Washington.
Her Republican opponent was John Braun.
According to preliminary official Washington election results available on the morning of November 4, Gluesenkamp Perez received 54.96% of the vote, compared with Braun's 44.18%.
The Associated Press has called the race for Gluesenkamp Perez.
Her margin was particularly strong in Clark County, while Braun received more votes in some of the district's more rural counties.
The contrast reflects the political diversity of the 3rd District, which brings together urban, suburban, and rural communities.
For Vancouver residents, the result means their incumbent representative will remain in the U.S. House of Representatives for another two-year term.
Portland: City Council Elections and Measure 26-267
Portland voters selected six City Council members, with three seats contested in District 3 and another three in District 4.
According to preliminary results reported by Axios Portland, incumbent councilors are leading in both districts.
However, Portland uses ranked-choice voting, allowing voters to rank candidates in order of preference.
The counting process involves multiple rounds, so final results can take additional time to determine.
Another major local issue was Measure 26-267, known as Community Budgeting for All.
The proposal would have allocated at least 2% of Portland's annual discretionary operating expenditures to projects selected by residents through a participatory budgeting process.
According to preliminary returns, approximately two-thirds of counted votes were against the measure.
If that trend remains unchanged after the remaining ballots are counted, the proposal will fail.
The official measure description is available on the City of Portland's election website.
Clark County: Ballot Counting Continues on Local Measures
In Clark County, voters considered proposals related to funding for the county jail and public safety system.
One of the most closely watched questions was Proposition 12, which would authorize approximately $366 million in bonds to expand jail infrastructure.
Initial unofficial results showed approximately 53% voting in favor and 47% opposed.
However, approval of the bond measure requires at least 60% support, along with other applicable legal requirements.
A simple majority is therefore not enough for the proposal to pass.
Another measure, Proposition 13, addressed funding for public safety staffing and operations. In the initial count, a majority of votes were cast against it.
According to Clark County Elections, approximately 68,000 ballots remained to be processed after the first results were released, not including any additional eligible mail ballots that might arrive.
The county is scheduled to certify its election results on November 24, 2026.
What Happened Nationally?
Beyond the Pacific Northwest, the most consequential result of the midterm elections is the change in the balance of power in the incoming U.S. Congress.
According to the Associated Press, Democrats have secured majorities in both chambers of the next Congress: the House of Representatives and the Senate.
This represents a significant political development. However, the newly elected Congress will not begin its term until January 2027.
Until then, the current Congress remains in office, and President Donald Trump continues to exercise his constitutional powers.
Once the incoming Congress takes office, Democratic majorities will have greater influence over legislative priorities, federal spending, and congressional committee oversight.
The practical consequences are not yet known.
Passing legislation will still depend on congressional votes, procedural requirements, and presidential powers, including the ability to veto bills.
For Oregon and Washington, potential areas of impact include federal transportation funding, health care, social programs, and immigration policy.
When Will the Final Results Be Available?
Voting ended on November 3, but counting and verification continue.
Mail voting is widely used in Oregon and Washington. Election officials must process eligible ballots, verify signatures where required, and conduct legally mandated checks before certifying the results.
An important distinction is that a news organization's declaration of a winner is not the same as official election certification.
When a candidate's lead is sufficiently large, the Associated Press may project the winner before every ballot has been counted.
Official results, however, are established by the responsible election authorities.
Clark County is scheduled to certify its results on November 24. Other counties and states follow their own certification calendars.
The major political outcomes are becoming clearer, but the final vote totals are still being established.
WE PNW will continue updating this report as new results become available, with particular attention to Oregon, Washington, Portland, Vancouver, and Clark County.
WE PNW
Editorial update: November 4, 2026. Results are preliminary unless otherwise indicated.
More election coverage
- U.S. Congress
- Clark County jail and tax measures
- Washington’s 3rd District
- Portland council and Measure 26-267
- Oregon — Jeff Merkley
