Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden should have no trouble winning a fifth full term this fall, with most of the attention focused on Oregon’s unwieldy gubernatorial election that is far more likely to become competitive than the Senate contest.

Wyden – who has been a relatively independent voice in Washington for decades – is currently chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, and hopes to hold onto that coveted role if Democrats successfully defend their majority in 2022.

Wyden has two primary challengers, William E. Barlow III and Brent Thompson, but neither pose any real threat. Meanwhile, there are six Republicans who qualified for the ballot, with Prineville Mayor Jason Beebe and Grant County Commissioner Sam Palmer being the only candidates with previous elective experience. Wyden should easily dispatch whichever Republican he faces in November. Solid Democrat.

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