Oregon — Oregon State Sen. David Brock Smith emerged Tuesday night as the presumptive Republican nominee for Oregon’s U.S. Senate race, positioning him to face incumbent Democratic Sen. Jeff Merkley in the November general election.
According to unofficial election returns, David Brock Smith led the Republican field with 29.61% of the vote, totaling 94,048 votes. Former Senate candidate Jo Rae Perkins followed with 27.16% and 86,252 votes. Brent Barker received 23.22%, Russell McAlmond 11.48%, Deborah C. Brown 3.78%, David A. Burch 2.36%, and Timothy Skelton 1.51%.
Smith, a third-generation Southwest Oregon resident and small business owner, campaigned on themes of affordability, public safety, homelessness, rural representation, and forest management. On his campaign website, Smith said Oregon families and businesses have been “forgotten” by leaders focused on a “far-left base,” arguing the state needs “common sense, accountability, and a strong rural voice” in Washington.
“Our beloved Oregon is in peril,” Smith stated on his campaign website. “I’ve fought for you in our Oregon State Capitol in Salem, and I will continue to put you first in our U.S. Capitol in Washington.”
Smith also emphasized opposition to new taxes, support for law enforcement, expanded mental health and addiction treatment, ending permanent street camping, and increasing active forest management to reduce wildfire risks and support rural economies.
The general election matchup now sets up a contest between Smith and Merkley, who is seeking another term representing Oregon in the U.S. Senate.
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