Get involved. Make your voice heard. And vote — because in Baker County, and in Oregon, your vote really does matter.

PORT ORFORD, OR – Oregon’s Republican nominee for the United States Senate, Senator David Brock Smith, announced today that he has formally accepted KTVZ’s invitation to participate in the October 6th U.S. Senate Debate in Bend. Senator Brock Smith urges Senator Jeff Merkley to join him on stage, but for which Senator Merkley has not yet responded.

“Elections are about giving voters a clear choice. That requires showing up, answering tough questions, and telling Oregonians exactly where you stand on the issues that matter to them,” said Senator Brock Smith. “This campaign is far too important for scripted advertisements or press releases that avoid direct engagement with voters. I look forward to taking the debate stage and speaking directly to Oregonians about my plans to deliver real results, just as I have worked to do for years in the Oregon Legislature. I encourage Senator Merkley to join me.”

Senator Brock Smith outlined the challenges facing Oregon families and communities. “Oregonians are paying too much for groceries, housing, utilities, and everyday necessities. Communities across our state are struggling with addiction and homelessness. Wildfires continue to threaten homes, businesses, and natural resources while driving up insurance rates. And the rapid expansion of massive data centers demands real accountability so Oregon families aren’t left paying higher utility bills or competing for critical water and energy resources,” he said. “These issues require a strong leader in Washington who will take them head‑on, bring back common sense to Washington and deliver the results Oregonians expect, not deflection, excuses, or extremism designed for soundbites and network spotlights.”

Senator Brock Smith contrasted his record with Senator Merkley’s. “Jeff Merkley is one of the most liberal legislators in Washington, D.C. According to both progressive and conservative scorecards, he is extreme. He continues to push the Democrat Socialist of America agenda while endorsing DSA candidates here at home. He has voted against not taxing Social Security for seniors, against not taxing tips for service industry workers, and against not taxing overtime for hard‑working families trying to get ahead. He is complicit in driving up utility costs for Oregonians; upwards of 65% over the last decade, and he refuses to call out the waste, fraud, and abuse costing Oregonians and Americans billions. If Senator Merkley is allowed to continue advancing radical DSA policies, today’s gas prices and cost of living will seem cheap in comparison. Under Senator Merkley and Governor Kotek, Oregon has become one of the highest‑taxed states in the nation, yet Oregonians see little return on their investment, with the state falling near last in metrics from education to business friendliness.”

“Oregonians cannot afford six more years of extreme, antibusiness, DSA aligned policies, especially while Senator Merkley refuses to work across the aisle to deliver results for Oregon’s working families,” he continued.

Senator Brock Smith emphasized his bipartisan record and collaborative approach. “If Oregonians elects me this November, they will be replacing an ineffective, DSA supporting, radical extremist with an effective, proven workhorse who has consistently worked to solve problems for Oregon’s working families, cutting through the blue tape that holds back opportunity for our communities, their residents, and the businesses that support them. I have never sought the spotlight, news hits, or social media clicks, I have focused on delivering results.”

“Despite serving only in the minority, I have delivered real accomplishments for Oregonians. I don’t play the blame game, I roll up my sleeves, build bipartisan coalitions, and work harder to get the job done. That has been my record from the beginning, and it will not change in Washington. I will not be outworked on the campaign trail or in the U.S. Capitol. That is why this debate is so important, and I hope I am not alone on stage on October 6,” concluded Senator David Brock Smith.

Voting is more than a constitutional right; it is a sacred stewardship. In the Parable of the Talents, a master entrusts his wealth to his servants, expecting them to engage with the world, take risks, and produce a return for the common good. He does not demand equal results, but he does demand faithful participation.

To live in a society where you have a voice in choosing your leaders and shaping your community is a profound "talent" placed in your hands. Refusing to vote out of cynicism, apathy, or fear is the modern equivalent of burying that talent in the dirt. The third servant hid his coin because he was afraid of the system and distrustful of the master, choosing safety over responsibility. Yet, his passivity was ultimately condemned as a failure of stewardship.

When we abstain from voting, we do not remain neutral; we simply abandon our share of responsibility for our neighbors and our future. We are called to actively invest what we have been given—our voice, our values, and our choice—to cultivate a just and flourishing society. True faithfulness means showing up to use the ballot, ensuring that the resource of our freedom is never wasted or buried.

WILSONVILLE, Ore. – A poll commissioned by Oregon Business & Industry (OBI) released today shows gubernatorial candidate Senator Christine Drazan (R-Canby) leading Tina Kotek by two points with fewer than 50 days remaining until Election Day.

“Christine is earning the trust of Oregonians because she's giving them a reason to believe Oregon can do better, not just blaming someone else. Four years ago, Tina Kotek made big promises on homelessness, housing, education, and affordability, but today, Oregonians are paying more, getting less, and watching the same problems get worse. This poll confirms what we already see on the ground: Oregonians are ready for change, and they see Christine as the leader who can deliver it,” said Trey Rosser, Drazan campaign strategist.

The new polling is the latest indication of a tightening race, and comes just days after the nonpartisan Cook Political Report downgraded Oregon’s gubernatorial contest from “Likely Democrat” to “Lean Democrat.” It’s the second time in recent months that Cook has shifted the race toward Drazan, putting it just one step away from "Toss-Up."