Republican David Brock Smith is running for U.S. Senate in Oregon's Nov. 3, 2026, general election. Smith, a state senator representing District 1, is certified for the ballot, according to BallotReady election data.
Smith describes himself as a third-generation Oregonian with roots in southwest Oregon, according to his campaign. He is also a restaurant owner, according to BallotReady.
Other candidates in the race are Jeff Merkley (Working Families Party / Democratic), Chris Henry (Progressive / Pacific Green) and Gary Lyndon Dye (Libertarian).
Candidate information
- Party: Republican
- Office sought: U.S. Senate, Oregon
- Current office: State senator, District 1 (2023–present), according to BallotReady
- Education: High school diploma, Pacific High School, according to BallotReady
- Occupation: Restaurant owner, according to BallotReady
Experience and public service
Smith has held several elected and appointed positions in Oregon, according to BallotReady:
- State senator, District 1 (2023–present)
- State representative, District 1 (2017–2023)
- Curry County commissioner (2013–2017)
- City councilor, Port Orford (2005–2012)
- Board member, Port Orford-Langlois School Board
- Member, Curry County Planning Commission
Smith has also served in private-sector and nonprofit roles. He was president and executive director of the Fort Oxford and North Curry County Chamber of Commerce from 2004 to 2012, and co-owner of Port and Starboard from 2002 to 2015, according to BallotReady. He was director of America's Wild Rivers Coast from 2006 to 2010.
Smith said on X that he served as co-chair of the Council of State Governments West Wildfire and Disaster Preparedness Committee and as a member of the Oregon Senate Committee on Veterans, Emergency Preparedness, Federal and World Affairs.
On the issues
The following positions are based on Smith's responses on his campaign website and his BallotReady responses.
Wildfire and environment: Smith said he has led efforts in the state Legislature to address wildfire through active forest management and fuel reduction. "As your United States Senator, I will always fight to make sure federal regulations prioritize the needs and safety of the people who actually live here in Oregon, and not political extremists," Smith said on his campaign website. He also said he advocates for increased sustained-yield timber harvest to support rural jobs and housing production.
Housing and homelessness: Smith said on his campaign website that Oregon continues to spend millions on homelessness programs while homeless populations increase. He said he supports drug and mental health treatment, accountability and an end to permanent street camping.
Economy: Smith said on his campaign website that Oregon families are being priced out of their state and businesses are leaving. He called for incentivizing job growth and making homes more affordable.
Public safety: Smith said he supports law enforcement, accountability for repeat offenders and restoring consequences to keep communities safe, according to his campaign website.
Education: Smith said he is dedicated to funding schools, college preparatory instruction and career and technical programs, according to his BallotReady responses.
The Cherry City Chronicle candidate questionnaire was sent to David Brock Smith's campaign. No response was received as of Oct. 12, 2026. The policy positions below are drawn from his public campaign website and public records.
