Full Breakdown
David Brock Smith Wins Oregon GOP Senate Primary, Setting Up November Contest Against Incumbent Jeff Merkley
5/23/2026, 6:58:50 AM
Primary Victory Overview
On May 19, 2026, Oregon voters selected the Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate. State Senator David Brock Smith won the GOP primary, defeating six other candidates and securing the November contest against incumbent Democrat Jeff Merkley.
Political Context
The primary took place alongside a decisive rejection of a six-cent gas-tax increase proposed by the Democratic-controlled Legislature. In the governor’s race, Republican state Senator Christine Drazan won the GOP nomination and will face Democratic Governor Tina Kotek, who clashed with Trump administration. Merkley’s seat is viewed as safe, with no Republican senator from Oregon since 2002.
Key Figures & Groups
David Brock Smith, a Republican state senator since 2017, previously served as a county commissioner, city councilor, chamber director and school board member. His Democratic opponent, Jeff Merkley, has held the Senate seat since 2009. Other GOP primary contenders included former Senate nominee Jo Rae Perkins and businessman Brent Barker.
Official Statements & Responses
Smith’s campaign framed the election as a matter of putting Oregon first, stressing affordable living, safer communities, good-paying jobs, responsible government and the protection of state values. He also said the race transcended partisan politics, aiming to restore hope, opportunity and accountability. Merkley’s campaign offered no immediate comment.
Criticism & Opposition
Observers describe Merkley’s seat as generally safe, noting Oregon has not elected a Republican senator since 2002. The GOP also faces challenges in the governor’s race and after the gas-tax referendum defeat.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
KCBy reported Smith leading with 32 % of the GOP vote, while USA Today listed a 29.8 % lead with 76 % of precincts counted. Neither source provided final certified results.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This campaign is about putting Oregon first. Fighting for affordable living, safer communities, good-paying jobs, responsible government, and protecting the values that make our beloved state strong,” — David Brock Smith, Republican Senate candidate
- “This election is bigger than politics. It’s about restoring hope, opportunity, and accountability for every Oregonian.” — David Brock Smith, Republican Senate candidate
- “I think Oregon's pretty purple,” — David Brock Smith, Republican Senate candidate
- “I've had the opportunity to serve in the legislature since 2017 and prior to that I was a county commissioner, and prior to that i was a city councilor and a chamber director and a school board member, and so the work that I've been able to do in the Oregon legislature, as well as being a county commissioner, has been across the aisle creating solutions for Oregonians.” — David Brock Smith, Republican Senate candidate
What's Next
Smith will turn to the November election, where he plans to focus on natural-resource issues such as wildfire preparedness and rural development. He will face Senator Jeff Merkley, who has not yet announced a campaign platform. Gas-tax referendum defeat is likely to feature in campaign debates.
