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Greg Smith (Oregon politician)

Greg V. Smith (born November 7, 1968) is an American politician serving as a member of the Oregon House of Representatives from the 57th district. As of 2025, he is the longest-serving member of the Oregon House.

Early life

Smith is descended from Oregon pioneers. He grew up near Portland and attended Sam Barlow High School. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts.

Education and career

Smith graduated from Eastern Oregon University in 1992 with a bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies. He owns a consulting firm, Gregory Smith & Company, LLC. As of 2019, he also earned $31,200 a year for his work as a legislator. He served as the Executive Director of the Columbia Development Authority (CDA) until resigning in January, 2026, stating that his "ongoing involvement was diverting focus from the Authority's core objectives." The distraction was associated with a December, 2025 Oregon Ethics Commission finding that he broke multiple state ethics laws by attempting to conceal a $66,000 per year pay raise from the CDA Board within a federal grant application.

Political career

Early political involvement

After graduating from college, Smith served as a community advisory member for Senator Gordon Smith. He was also an intern for then-Oregon House of Representatives Majority Leader Greg Walden. In 1996, Smith was an alternate delegate in the 1996 Republican National Convention.

Oregon House of Representatives

In 2000, Smith successfully ran for Oregon State Representative for district 59. In 2001, redistricting moved Smith into Oregon's 57th House district, which comprises all of Gilliam, Morrow, Sherman, and Wheeler counties, most of Wasco County, parts of Jefferson and Umatilla counties, and small areas of Clackamas and Marion counties. He ran for re-election and won.

Smith's 2024 committee assignments are as follows:

  • Joint Ways and Means Committee, Co-Vice Chair
  • Joint Ways and Means Subcommittee on General Government, Co-Chair
  • Joint Ways and Means Subcommittee on Capital Construction
  • Joint Legislative Administration Committee
  • House Revenue Committee
  • Joint Emergency Board
  • Joint Emergency Board Subcommittee on General Government, Co-Chair

During his terms in office, Smith has earned a 100% voting record with the Taxpayer Association of Oregon, Oregon Gun Owners of America, Oregon Farm Bureau, Oregonians for Food and Shelter, and the National Federation of Independent Business. The Oregon Cattlemen's Association has given Smith the "Lariat Laureate", their highest award. The Oregon Fair Association has given Smith the title "Grand Champion Legislator" for the work he has done on their behalf. He has also received the "Outstanding Freshman Legislator of the Year" award during the 19th Annual Oregon Rural Health Conference. The NRA Political Victory Fund has consistently given Smith an A+ grade on his votes regarding gun-related legislation. In 2009, Associated Oregon Industries named Smith "A Champion for Oregon Jobs and Business."

In January 2025, the Oregon Government Ethics Commission voted to investigate Smith over a possible failure to disclose a major source of household income. Smith said he misunderstood the law and updated his client list after the commission began its review.

In February 2025, the United States Department of Defense suspended a $800,000 grant to the CDA after finding a funding request had false information about Smith's raise. In response, Republican politician Kerry McQuisten called for Smith to resign.

Personal life

Smith resides in Heppner with his wife Sherri and their five children. He is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Political positions

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

Electoral history

<nowiki>*</nowiki>All elections were for Oregon House of Representatives District 57 except for year 2000, which was for Oregon House District 59.

References

External links