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Oregon Republican lawmaker running to unseat Merkley in US Senate race

PORTLAND, ore. (KOIN) – A Republican state senator is throwing his hat in the ring for one of Oregon’s seats in the United States Senate.

on tuesday Oregon State Senator David Brock Smith (R-Port Orford) He launched his campaign for the US Senate.

In his campaign announcement, the state senator emphasized his “deep roots” in Oregon, “real-world experience” and leadership, and described his upbringing as a third-generation Southwest Oregon resident and former restaurateur of his family’s restaurant.

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“Oregonians are tired of partisan bickering, political pageantry and headlines that produce nothing but noise,” Smith said. “I have never operated this way. I will not start now as your next United States Senator. My focus will be squarely on the people of Oregon. I will fight to make daily life more affordable for working families, restore safety to our streets, address addiction and homelessness with accountability, and ensure every Oregonian’s voice is heard and respected in Washington.”

Smith also noted his previous experience serving on the Port Orford Chamber of Commerce and City Council before joining the Oregon legislature.

“As a third-generation Oregonian, it has been the honor of my life to serve you locally and in Salem,” Smith said. “My mission as the next United States Senator is simple: Put Oregon First. Now is the time for leadership based on service, not headlines or personal ambition. That’s what I’ve done throughout my career and will continue to do in Washington. Join me and let’s build a better Oregon together.”

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He recently testified in favor of Smith. Oregon JOB ActIt proposes adding more than 300 acres to the urban growth boundary for advanced manufacturing facilities. Smith is also a member of Gov. Tina Kotek. Data Center Advisory CommitteeHe is tasked with finding ways to improve data centers in the state.

Brock Smith also recently voted against it. POWER ActIt aims to protect Oregonians from energy rate increases caused by data centers. The state senator expressed concerns that the bill would deter tech companies from building data centers in Oregon.

He was also a supporter of repeal. Oregon’s controversial Wildfire Hazard Map and introduced a bill in 2025 aimed to end the state’s vote-by-mail system.

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As of March 3, there are two Democrats in the race for the Oregon Senate seat, including the incumbent president. Senator Jeff Merkley and Paul Wells, according to files with the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office.

A spokesperson for Merkley’s campaign said in a statement about the race shared with KOIN 6 News: “As Oregon’s senator, Jeff is fighting to stop Trump’s authoritarian state, restore government by and for the people, and build the four foundations for thriving families: health care, housing, education and good-paying jobs.”

Merkley’s campaign spokesman added, “He looks forward to continuing to talk to Oregonians about these and other issues over the next 8 months.”

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Filings filed with the Oregon Secretary of State’s office also show that six Republicans are in the race to unseat Senator Merkley, including Brock Smith, David Burch, Russell McAlmond, Douglas Muck Jr., Jo Rae Perkins and Timothy Skelton.

In a statement shared with KOIN 6 News, Skelton said, “State Senator David Brock Smith’s announcement is his right as a citizen, and I wish him good luck. However, after more than 17 years of Jeff Merkley and almost 30 years of Ron Wyden in the Senate, Oregon families are still waiting for real results. Career politicians have their chance.”

Skelton added: “I’m not a D.C. insider or a career politician. I’m running to bring in fresh, pristine leadership with a detailed, zero-cost Oregon Matters Plan funded entirely by reducing federal waste — no new taxes, no lobbyist money, no special interests. All while promising no more than two terms and putting Oregon families first. Oregon deserves better of the same. I’m honored to have built this campaign from the ground up, and I’m ready to work for real solutions.”

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In a statement to KOIN 6, the McAlmond campaign said: “We welcome anyone who joined the race late to defeat Jeff Merkley and send him home in 2026. We have been in the race since 2025 and truly believe that U.S. Navy veteran and civil rights activist Russ McAlmond is the best candidate to replace Merkley in the U.S. Senate.”

Oregon’s primary elections will be held on May 19, followed by the general election on November 3.

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