Merix Valorum was a Senator in the Galactic Republic Senate in 102 BBY and a vocal opponent of Supreme Chancellor Signet Mezzileen.
Biography[]
A native of the planet Eriadu and a member of the powerful Valorum family, Merix followed in the footsteps of his uncle and became the planet's Senator. Angered by the oppressive regime of the current Chancellor Signet Mezzileen, Valorum was one of the most vocal opponents, especially following the brutal suppression of riots across the galaxy. When the Jedi Order were declared enemies of the state, Merix was one of many Senators who declared their support for them. He was quickly placed under house arrest and this led his brother Persus to leave the Republic navy and join the growing Jedi Coalition and take part in the ensuing conflict.
However a year into the war, the Coalition launched a mission to rescue Merix and they snuck onto Coruscant. Merix was freed by the Jedi Master Nin but they were surrounded by Republic troops led by the Dark Lady Ugra. In the desperate battle, Nin held Ugra back while Merix fought with the Coalition troops to hold the Republic forces back. Merix was saved by the timely arrival of Hena Glotz along with Nin's apprentice Thame Cerulian and reinforcements.
While Thame wanted to stay and help his master, Glotz convinced him otherwise and Merix was escorted onto her ship as Ugra arrived, having incapacitated Nin. She hurled a vibroblade at Merix and he was badly wounded and barely survived after receiving treatment in Coalition space. He then worked hard to try and unite the Coalition against Mezzileen and the Republic.
Following the end of the war, Valorum was persuaded by the Jedi to stand against his rival Arf Fey'lya and formed the Alliance Party in order to do this. In the Senate elections the Alliance party came second to Fey'lya's Democratic Republican Party but was able to take control of the Senate by allying with the Core and Rim parties. With these allies Valorum was able to be elected Chancellor and began his work to rebuild the Republic. His restructuring of Republic institutions and his project of scaling down the Republic armed forces led to his re-election for a second term.