House District 57 Republican primary race pits incumbent against local union engineer

State Rep. Greg Smith, R-Heppner, has served in the Oregon House since 2001, representing District 57 since 2002. The district encompasses, Morrow, Gilliam, Sherman, Wheeler and portions of Wasco, Jefferson, Marion Umatilla and Clackamas counties.

Smith has largely run unopposed in the past. He serves as co-vice chair of the joint Ways and Means Committee and in the last legislative session was part of the joint Addiction and Community Safety Response committee that led discussions around Measure 110 reform.

But in the May 21 primary, he faces Raymond Akers, a union operating engineer and precinct committee person for the Morrow County Republican Party. Akers describes himself in Oregon's voter's pamphlet as a "hard working wage earner my entire life."

On his Facebook page, Akers says his motivation in challenging Smith is to be "the conservative alternative to what we've had the last 24 years."

The Statesman Journal sent the same questions to both candidates but did Smith did not reply by the deadline. Here are Akers' responses.

Why Akers is running for the Legislature

"For 24 years we have watched our House seat be used in a manner that provides questionable great personal financial gain to its holder," Akers said.

Willamette Week and Malheur Enterprise both reported in 2019 and 2024 on Smith's income as a consultant outside the legislature. According to a preliminary review by the Oregon Government Ethics Commission (which dismissed an ethics complaint about his statements of economic impact and whether he had failed to report required sources of income), Smith's gross annual income exceeded $1 million.

Akers said he believed "conservative Republican values" had been "traded for dollars and given away."

"As a conservative, I believe in the fundamental importance of individual liberties, limited government, fiscal responsibility, and traditional family values. These principles have guided me throughout my life, informing my decisions and actions. I don’t believe our conservative Republican values have been voted in the Capitol for a while," he said. "If elected, my conservative Republican values will direct my representation in the Oregon House of Representatives."

Why Akers says he is the best candidate for House District 57

Aker said he would be a "strong voice for our conservative values and priorities in the Oregon legislature" and would "fight tirelessly" to uphold district principles.

He said he would listen to constituents and form partnerships.

What experiences Akers says he would rely on

Akers pointed to his time serving on the executive board for what he described as a "a multimillion-dollar union."

The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 701 covers all members in Oregon and five counties in southwest Washington. According to their website, the union represents 3,900 heavy-equipment operators, heavy-duty repairers, technical engineers, and stationary engineers.

As District 4 representative for the union, Akers said his responsibilities included policymaking and serving as an administrative tribunal.

He also worked as an operation manager for an irrigation district with duties including planning, budget creation, oversight, and scheduling.

"This has given me a knowledge of fiscal responsibility, managing budgets and assuring quality," Akers said. "This rewarding and demanding job has provided me the skills and understanding that will help me represent all of the District 57 citizens."

Akers said he also would rely on his experience as a lifelong resident of District 57. His filing information lists an address in Boardman.

"I have and will continue to work at building a deep understanding and appreciation for the unique needs and aspirations of our Eastern Oregon communities," he said.

The top three issues Akers said would advocate for in the legislature

Akers said he would prioritize protecting and managing the district's natural resources, starting with drinking water.

He said he also would prioritize affordable housing by making it easier to build housing.

Akers also listed open communication with constituents and supporting job growth and entrepreneurship.

"I will make sure that the constituents of House District 57’s voices are heard in Salem," he said. "I am dedicated to advocating for good policies, promoting economic prosperity, enabling open communication with all of the constituents, and fostering an environment where business can thrive."

Other priorities he cited included lowering fees and taxes, reducing unnecessary regulations, creating opportunities for hard-working Oregonians, and defending constitutional rights, including the Second Amendment.

"I will work tirelessly to protect our freedoms and liberties from government overreach and infringement," Akers said.

Dianne Lugo covers the Oregon Legislature and equity issues. Reach her at dlugo@statesmanjournal.com or on X @DianneLugo

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Incumbent House Rep. Greg Smith faces opponent in Republican primary