David Brock Smith Wins Oregon GOP Primary for U.S. Senate

State Senator David Brock Smith won the Republican primary for U.S. Senate in Oregon on Friday, setting up a November challenge against incumbent Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley. The result was the last significant race to be called following the state's May 19 primary.

Brock Smith emerged from a field of seven candidates. In a statement, he said his campaign is about putting Oregon first, fighting for affordable living, safer communities, and protecting the state's values. He described the election as an effort to restore hope and accountability.

Senator Merkley, first elected in 2008, is widely viewed as holding a safe seat, as Oregon has not elected a Republican U.S. senator since 2002. His campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the primary result.

The Senate primary concluded after other high-profile contests were decided. Voters overwhelmingly rejected a ballot measure that would have raised the state gas tax by six cents per gallon. The Democratic-controlled legislature passed the tax increase last year to fund road repairs and transportation budgets. Republicans launched a successful referendum to place the measure before voters, who defeated it....