Endorsements
2026 Candidates
The Steady State endorses candidates for Congress, Governor, and other national-security-relevant offices who show a consistent commitment to the rule of law regardless of party, support nonpartisan oversight of the Executive Branch, and understand the security challenges facing the country. Endorsed candidates must also uphold democratic norms — the peaceful transfer of power, rejection of political violence, and defense of civil liberties including a free press and the right to dissent. The Steady State does not endorse candidates who have worked to subvert democratic institutions, discredited the security community without evidence, or promoted disinformation or extremism.
Jeff Merkley (OR)
Jeff Merkley represents Oregon in the United States Senate and is currently serving his third term. He worked on nuclear policy in Washington, D.C., led Portland Area Habitat for Humanity, and served in the Oregon House of Representatives, including as Speaker, before being elected to the Senate in 2008. In Congress, Merkley has built a strong foreign policy profile through his service on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and as Co-Chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China.