David Brock Smith is a Republican state senator representing Oregon's 1st district (Coast-based area including Curry, Coos, Jackson, and Douglas counties) since January 2023, when he was appointed to fill a vacancy. He is a third-generation resident of Southwest Oregon and Port Orford native. Smith spent 45 years as a restaurateur running his family business. He previously served in the Oregon House of Representatives for about six years (2017-2023) and held local government positions including Port Orford City Council president, Chamber of Commerce president, Curry County Commissioner, and Port Orford-Langlois School Board member. Smith earned an associate degree from Southwestern Oregon Community College and Southern Oregon University, with career experience in the culinary industry.
Smith represents a practical, business-oriented conservatism focused on rural issues and local economic development. His 45 years running his family restaurant provides business experience he highlights in campaign. Long tenure in local government (city council, county commissioner, school board) before state legislature shows commitment to public service at multiple levels. His reputation for bipartisan work in Oregon Legislature distinguishes him from more ideological Republican candidates, though his climate skepticism and offshore wind controversy suggest limits to his willingness to defer to scientific consensus on key issues.