The Truth About Jo Rae Perkin's Candidacy

Oregon Republicans face a critical decision in the upcoming primary for the 2026 U.S. Senate election. Incumbent Democrat Jeff Merkley, seeking a fourth term, has proven to be a formidable opponent in a state that leans blue.

To have any realistic shot at flipping this seat, the party must nominate a candidate who can appeal beyond the base, attract independents, and demonstrate credibility on key issues like national security, financial responsibility, and human rights.

Unfortunately, the truth is that Jo Rae Perkins, who has twice run and lost decisively in statewide Senate races, does not fit this profile. Her track record proves her persistent weaknesses that have doomed campaigns—and would do so again if she secures the nomination.

Perkins' electoral history speaks volumes.

In 2020, she challenged Jeff Merkley and garnered only 39.3% of the vote, losing by a staggering 17.6-point margin. Two years later, in 2022, she ran against Ron Wyden and fared little better, capturing 40.9% while Wyden secured 55.8%—another double-digit defeat. These losses were not narrow misses; they were resounding rejections in a state where Republicans need every possible crossover vote to compete.

Perkins has had two chances, backed by the party each time, and failed to capitalize on them. Repeating this pattern in 2026 would certainly hand Merkley an easy victory, wasting resources and momentum that could be directed toward a winnable fight in a critical year.

One of the core reasons for Perkins' defeats is her well-documented embrace of fringe conspiracy theories, particularly QAnon. This discredited movement, which promotes baseless claims about a secret cabal of elites, has alienated moderate voters and independents essential for statewide success in Oregon.

Perkins publicly aligned herself with QAnon in a now-deleted video on the night of her 2020 primary win, declaring, "I stand with Q and the team. Thank you Anons, and thank you patriots." She has since defended her interest in the group, appearing on QAnon-affiliated platforms and incorporating its rhetoric into her messaging.

This extremism has not only drawn national scrutiny but also turned off unaffiliated voters, who overwhelmingly supported Merkley in 2020 by wide margins. In a state where independents make up a significant portion of the electorate, Perkins' positions have proven toxic, limiting her to a narrow slice of the Republican base and preventing the kind of broad coalition needed to win.

Financial credibility is another area where Perkins falls short. Despite touting her background as a financial advisor, her Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification was permanently revoked in 2010 by the CFP Board of Standards following two personal bankruptcies. This revocation stemmed from violations of professional standards, undermining her claims of expertise in budgeting and economic matters.

In contrast, Russ McAlmond has maintained his CFP license in good standing for over 30 years, building a successful career in finance that includes founding Evergreen Capital Management and serving as Chief Investment Officer at Rogue Russell Investments.

McAlmond's unblemished record positions him to credibly address Oregon's economic challenges, from inflation to fiscal restraint, without the baggage that has plagued Perkins.

Perkins also lacks military service, a key credential in a state with a strong veteran community. There is no record of her serving in the armed forces, which limits her ability to connect with voters on issues of national defense and veterans' affairs.

McAlmond, however, is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran with three years of active duty, including a 15-month overseas deployment, and an honorable discharge. His firsthand experience equips him to advocate effectively for military families, VA improvements, and a strong national security posture—areas where Perkins has no comparable insight.

Fundraising has been another perennial weakness for Perkins. Her campaigns have struggled to attract significant donations, hampering her ability to compete in expensive media markets. Combined with her inability to draw crossover support due to polarizing views, this has left her outmatched against well-funded Democratic incumbents.

McAlmond, with his professional network and fresh appeal, is better positioned to build a robust war chest and broaden the voter tent.

Moreover, Perkins does not represent the change Oregon Republicans need. She is not a new face; she's a perennial candidate with a history of losses in congressional and local races dating back to 1994.

Her education includes an associate degree in business management and a bachelor's in political science, but she has no notable background in human rights activism. McAlmond, on the other hand, holds advanced degrees including an MBA and a Master of Science in Financial Services, along with certifications like Chartered Financial Consultant and Chartered Life Underwriter.

As the founder and executive director of the Center for Human Equality, he has dedicated himself to promoting individual rights and combating group-based stereotypes, viewing every person as a unique individual worthy of equal treatment. This commitment to human equality sets him apart as a principled conservative who can unite rather than divide.

The truth is inescapable: Jo Rae Perkins cannot win against Jeff Merkley in November 2026. Her two prior Senate bids have already proven this, and the same vulnerabilities—extremism, financial inconsistencies, lack of military service, and poor broad appeal—will resurface, amplified by Merkley's supporters and Oregon media outlets.

Republicans deserve better than a two-time loser recycling failed strategies. Nominating Russ McAlmond offers a genuine path forward: a veteran, financial expert, and human rights advocate ready to fight for Oregon with common sense and integrity. It's time for a new chapter and new Republican.

Vote McAlmond in the primary and give the party a fighting chance.