Steven Schmunk doesn’t like Oregon’s current direction. The businessman has devoted much of his time since he retired to local politics, trying to give conservatives a voice in a predominantly left-leaning state. 

In 2024, 15 out of 30 seats in the State Senate and all of Oregon’s House of Representatives are up for election. If Democrats gain one more seat in each chamber, they would control a three-fifths supermajority. This would give Democrats full control over state tax laws and regulations, writes Dirk VanderHart for Oregon Public Broadcasting.

“We’re just frustrated with what’s going on. We feel like we have no power whatsoever,” said Schmunk. “Oregon’s Democrats don’t allow conservatives to get anything direction-wise of theirs through the legislature.”

Schmunk, vice-chair of the Lane County Republicans, believes that lowering taxes and deregulating large corporations would boost Oregon’s economy and address pressing state issues. 

Like many Oregon Republicans, Schmunk feels his perspective is being marginalized. “We only want what’s best,” he said. “We just may not agree with the way of getting it done.”

The blue dominance of the state wasn’t always the case. 

Schmunk recalled a time when politics felt more balanced. “In Oregon, when I was younger, there were Republicans in office. The governor was a Republican governor for a while. And so it was more even-handed,” Schmunk said.

Neither party has all the answers, he said.

“I know Republicans aren’t right, and I know Democrats aren’t right. But Oregon Republicans don’t even get a chance to present their point of view in a lot of situations.”