Elected officials represent us and take input from their constituents – the people who live in their districts.

When you are contacting your state and federal elected officials there are several things to keep in mind.  It’s best to contact them by email or phone.  Express why you are contacting them and include your name, mailing address, email address, and phone number so they can reply to you.

Some reasons you would want to get in touch with your representatives are to express support or opposition to a bill, to get help with an issue you are having with a state or federal agency, or to get help finding state or federal resources.

Federal Officials

• U.S. Senators – each state has two that represent the entire state. Currently Oregon’s are Sen. Ron Wyden and Sen. Jeff Merkley. U.S. Senators are up for re-election every six years and no two U.S. Senators from one state are up for re-election at the same time.
• U.S. Representatives – are allocated to each state based on population. Oregon currently has five U.S. Representatives.  All U.S. Representatives are up for re-election every two years.
• Every American has two U.S. Senators and one U.S. Representative.
• To find who represents you in Washington, D.C., visit Congress’ website here.

Oregon State Officials

• Oregon has four statewide elected officials that represent the entire state including the Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, and State Treasurer.
• State Representatives – there are 60 Oregon State Representatives and they serve two-year terms.
• State Senators – there are 30 Oregon State Senators whose senate districts encompass two whole representative districts. They serve four-year terms.
• Every Oregonian has two legislators — one Senator and one Representative.
• To find your state legislators visit the Oregon Legislature’s website.