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.
Support for sustainable forest management and job creation in rural areas
Smith emphasizes rural representation and economic development priorities, including forestry issues and federal land management. He has pushed for forest thinning and prescribed burns to reduce wildfire risks.
Voting History: In Oregon House, championed forest management initiatives; member of bipartisan Oregon Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus and Coastal Caucus
Opposes partisan gridlock and negative campaigning
Campaign message emphasizes finding common ground over partisan conflict. Says negative campaigning doesn't help solve problems but only creates noise.
Voting History: Developed reputation in Salem for working across the aisle; expressed concerns about partisan divisions in Capitol versus his experience in state legislature
Skeptical of human-caused climate change
Smith has claimed that human actions don't contribute to climate change despite widespread scientific consensus. However, championed House Bill 3375 researching offshore wind energy potential, though he claims it was misrepresented.
Voting History: Sponsored bipartisan bill (HB 3375) requiring state review of offshore wind benefits and disadvantages with public involvement; claims opponents mischaracterized his position as supporting offshore wind installation
Limited detailed voting record available as Smith is a state senator (not federal). His record in Oregon House and Senate shows attention to rural issues, forest management, and local economic development. He has demonstrated ability to work across party lines on select issues but has taken conservative positions on environmental issues relative to scientific consensus.
| Bill | Title | Vote | Date | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HB 3375 | Offshore Wind Energy Research Bill | Yea | 2022-2023 | Required state review of offshore wind energy benefits and disadvantages with public involvement; passed with bipartisan support but sparked controversy about Smith's true position on offshore wind |
Campaign messaging is professional and focused on practical governance rather than partisan conflict. Emphasizes collaboration and long-term service in community before running for higher office.
Campaign launch video presenting Smith's biography, career experience, and campaign message of bipartisan problem-solving
Official campaign launch video emphasizing deep roots in Southwest Oregon and practical leadership experience
View post →Smith's climate change skepticism contradicts scientific consensus and his offshore wind bill created confusion about his true policy positions
2024 state senate race saw opponents claim Smith supported offshore wind installation, which he disputes