Senator Jeff Merkley in an effort to combat the spread of sudden oak death in southwestern Oregon.

[5] He won the general election with 60% of the vote, defeating Democrat Terry Brayer and Libertarian Tamie Kaufman.

[7] In a statement shortly after a mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol, Smith defended the rioters and claimed that unconstitutional actions occurred during the 2020 Pennsylvania election, saying "This was not a coup, and Rep. [Julie] Fahey's statement that those of us that signed a letter for the Oregon attorney general to uphold fair elections are 'complicit in today's violence' is shamefully arrogant and wrong.

"[8] Smith was appointed to the Oregon State Senate on January 11, 2023 to fill the vacancy left when Dallas Heard resigned.

[9] Following the Standoff at Eagle Pass, Brock Smith signed a letter in support of Texas Governor Greg Abbott's decision in the conflict.