David Brock Smith, a Republican state senator from Oregon's District 1, is running for U.S. Senate in the Nov. 3, 2026 general election.
Smith is certified for the ballot, according to BallotReady election data. He faces three opponents: 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
- Election date: Nov. 3, 2026
- Education: High school diploma, Pacific High School
- Current occupation: Restaurant owner
Experience and public service
Smith has held elected office at the local, county and state levels, according to BallotReady records:
- Oregon State Senate, District 1: 2023 to present
- Oregon State House of Representatives, District 1: 2017 to 2023
- Curry County Commissioner: 2013 to 2017
- City Councilor, Port Orford: 2005 to 2012
- Port Orford-Langlois School Board member
Smith said on his X account that he has served as co-chair of the Council of State Governments West Wildfire and Disaster Preparedness Committee. He also said he is a member of the Oregon Senate Committee on Veterans, Emergency Preparedness, Federal and World Affairs.
Outside government, Smith served as president and executive director of the Fort Oxford and North Curry County Chamber of Commerce from 2004 to 2012, according to BallotReady. He co-owned Port and Starboard from 2002 to 2015 and directed America's Wild Rivers Coast from 2006 to 2010.
On the issues
The following positions are drawn from Smith's campaign website and responses submitted through BallotReady.
Economy: Smith said Oregon families are being priced out of their own state and businesses are moving across state lines. He called for "common-sense solutions that incentivize job growth in our communities, help make homes more affordable, and bring back the American Dream for Oregonians," according to his campaign website.
Environment and wildfire: Smith said he has led efforts in the state Legislature on active forest management and fuel reduction. He said on his campaign website that those actions "will result in growing good, rural jobs, locally sourced timber for housing production and manufacturing, and provide for healthier, safer communities."
Housing and homelessness: Smith said Oregon has spent millions on homelessness programs while homeless populations in Portland and across the state have increased. He said he supports drug and mental health treatment along with "an end to permanent street camping," according to his campaign website.
Public safety: Smith said he supports law enforcement and accountability for repeat offenders. He called for "restoring consequences that keep our kids and communities safe," according to his campaign website.
Education: Smith said on his BallotReady profile that he has been dedicated to adequately funding schools and sustaining investments in career and technical programs so students can learn employable skills.
Responses are based on public data and answers to a Surround Sound Media questionnaire if they were provided.
