Senator Merkley Holds Town Hall in Sisters

Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley (D) met with constituents and local leaders in the rural town of Sisters, discussing bipartisanship, drought, and his legislative priorities.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 12:00am

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A warm, cinematic painting of an empty town hall stage, with diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and community engagement.Senator Merkley's town hall in the rural community of Sisters reflects his efforts to engage with constituents across Oregon, from urban to rural areas.Sisters Today

Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley (D) held a community town hall event in the town of Sisters, attended by hundreds of supporters. Merkley discussed his efforts to bridge the divide between rural and urban Oregon, his work on bipartisan legislation, and his concerns over the state's ongoing drought and wildfire risks. The Senator also met with local civic leaders, including the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District, to discuss community needs and priorities.

Why it matters

As a Democratic senator in a state with a growing urban-rural divide, Merkley's outreach efforts to connect with constituents in rural Oregon communities like Sisters are seen as important for maintaining bipartisan cooperation and understanding the diverse needs of the state.

The details

During the town hall, Merkley spoke about his youth in Douglas County when Democrats and Republicans had more common interests, but now the parties are divided by a 'chasm driven by the profit motive of news as entertainment.' He cited his work with Republican Senators on bipartisan legislation. Merkley also acknowledged Oregon's poor rankings in education and other metrics, suggesting the state should look at what higher-performing states are doing. The Senator expressed concerns over Oregon's drought and wildfire risks, and said he is pushing for increased firefighter pay and year-round fire protection.

  • Merkley held the town hall on Saturday, April 5, 2026.
  • Last year, Merkley had to cancel a planned visit to Sisters due to the Flat Fire evacuation.

The players

Jeff Merkley

A Democratic U.S. Senator for Oregon who is known for his pragmatic, bipartisan approach and efforts to connect with constituents across the state, including in rural communities.

Tony Prior

The Chief of the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District, who met with Senator Merkley and received a U.S. flag that had flown over the Capitol in recognition of the district's firefighting efforts.

Jennifer Letz

The Mayor of Sisters, who appreciated that Senator Merkley took the time to hold a town hall and connect with the people and places he represents.

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What they’re saying

“The drive in from Lake County, seeing the Three Sisters, is such a welcoming sign.”

— Jeff Merkley, U.S. Senator

“Back then Democrats were farmers and Republicans were ranchers, but we had common interests and common problems and we could resolve them without animosity.”

— Jeff Merkley, U.S. Senator

“Today, the parties are separated by a chasm driven by the profit motive of news as entertainment. Cable TV, talk radio, and now social media keep us in a bubble of different realities. There's money to be made by demonizing each other. This is deeply damaging to democracy.”

— Jeff Merkley, U.S. Senator

“We have been a drought four of the last five years. I'm pushing to increase firefighter pay, and make fire protection year-round. And to boost money for more training.”

— Jeff Merkley, U.S. Senator

“Today was a good chance to meet with Senator Merkley and discuss local needs and priorities. We greatly appreciate the recognition for the efforts during the Flat Fire. However, the credit goes to all the agencies who came together and the homeowners who took the initiative to become wildfire resilient. Sisters-Camp Sherman Rural Fire District looks forward to working with the Senator in the future on projects that will continue to make Sisters Country a place to be proud of.”

— Tony Prior, Chief, Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District

What’s next

Merkley plans to continue his community outreach efforts across Oregon, holding town halls in every county each year to stay connected with constituents and understand their needs.

The takeaway

Senator Merkley's town hall in the rural town of Sisters demonstrates his commitment to bridging the urban-rural divide in Oregon and working in a bipartisan manner to address the state's challenges, from drought and wildfires to education and economic development.