September 23, 2026 3:20 a.m. 

On Tuesday, Oregon’s Republican nominee for the United States Senate, Senator David Brock Smith, announced that he has formally accepted KTVZ TV’s invitation to participate in the October 6th U.S. Senate Debate in Bend.

A campaign release said Brock Smith urged Senator Jeff Merkley to join him on stage. The campaign said Senator Merkley has yet to respond.

Senator Brock Snith said, “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.” Brock Smith said, “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.”

Brock Smith said, “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.” Brock Smith said, “That is why this debate is so important, and I hope I am not alone on stage on October 6.”