Tim Skelton — Candidate Profile

Party: Republican

Running in: Oregon Senate Race

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Tim Skelton

RepublicanOregon Senate Race
Campaign Website →

Summary

Tim Skelton is a BBQ restaurant owner and Scoutmaster from Sandy, Oregon. He is running as a political outsider, positioning himself against career politicians after 17+ years of Merkley and 30+ years of Wyden in Oregon's Senate seats. Skelton emphasizes community service through Scouting and describes himself as not a 'D.C. insider or career politician.' He stresses job creation (15,000 jobs), safer schools, and forest reform to protect Oregon's timber resources.

Background

Skelton represents anti-establishment conservative populism, positioning himself as outsider to career politics. As BBQ restaurant owner, he has small business experience. His Scoutmaster role demonstrates community service commitment outside government. His campaign narrative emphasizes that Oregon families have waited too long for real results from long-serving senators and that Skelton offers 'fresh, uncorrupted leadership' without lobbyist influence. Two-term maximum pledge distinguishes him from Merkley's long tenure.

Campaign Platform

Economy
Create 15,000 jobs
Economic growth through job creation is central campaign message.
Education
Safer schools and better public safety
Focus on K-12 school safety and crime reduction in communities.
Environment
Forest reform protecting $1 billion in timber
Address federal land management and forest policy to protect timber resources and rural economies.
Other
Zero-cost Oregon Matters Plan
Claims detailed plan funded entirely by cutting federal waste with no new taxes, no lobbyist money, no special interests, and only two terms maximum service commitment.

Key Issue Positions

Economic revitalization and job creation

Create jobs through unspecified means, emphasizing rural economic development

Campaign focuses on 15,000 job creation but limited specific policy details available.

Voting History: Not applicable as non-incumbent

Federal waste and efficiency

Cut federal waste to fund priorities

Claims to have 'detailed, zero-cost Oregon Matters Plan funded entirely by cutting federal waste.'

Voting History: Not applicable as non-incumbent

National security

Emphasis on community service and national security

Campaign stresses community service record through Scouting and commitment to national security.

Voting History: Not applicable as non-incumbent

Voting Record

Not applicable - Skelton has not held elected office and has no congressional voting record.

Social Media Activity

Campaign messaging emphasizes grassroots, anti-establishment positioning and practical problem-solving over partisan politics. Tone is populist and service-oriented.

Recurring Themes
Job creationFederal waste eliminationForest and timber protectionCommunity serviceAnti-career politician messaging

What Opponents Say

Jeff Merkley campaign and Democratic establishment

Skelton's claims about federal waste cuts and job creation lack detailed policy substance

Skelton's 'detailed Oregon Matters Plan' mentioned in campaign statements but specifics not publicly detailed

Sources

  1. Tim Skelton for Oregon campaign website
  2. Ballotpedia - Timothy Skelton
  3. KOIN 6 News - David Brock Smith launches campaign
  4. Self Reliance Central - Deep dive into Oregon's 2026 Senate race