RELEASE, Oregon Nurses Assocation Endorses Representative Smith

OREGON NURSES ASSOCIATION ENDORSES REPRESENTATIVE GREG SMITH

RECOGNIZING HIS COMMITMENT TO RURAL HEALTH CARE AND STRONG COMMUNITIES

HEPPNER, OR. – Representative Greg Smith (R-Heppner) received the endorsement of the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) in the upcoming 2026 primary election. This endorsement recognizes Smith’s continued efforts to support rural health care access and the medical professionals who serve communities across Eastern Oregon.

“ONA is proud to endorse Rep. Smith. He’s a strong advocate for Eastern Oregon and has shown he listens to nurses and healthcare workers,” said Tamie Cline, RN, President of the Oregon Nurses Association and a resident of Umatilla.

The Oregon Nurses Association represents thousands of nurses across the state who work on the front lines of patient care. Their support reflects Representative Smith’s commitment to strengthening health care access, supporting local hospitals, and ensuring rural communities are not left behind when it comes to critical medical services.

Nyla Bennett, a nursing student at Eastern Oregon University and a Mitchell High School graduate, also emphasized the importance of strengthening the rural health care workforce. “I am going to nursing school to ensure that small towns like Mitchell have quality health care,” Bennett said. “Representative Smith understands how important nurses are to Eastern Oregon. I am proud to support Greg Smith along with the Oregon Nurses Association.”

Throughout his legislative service, Representative Smith has worked to highlight the unique challenges rural communities face in maintaining reliable health care systems. From workforce shortages to long travel distances for care, Smith has emphasized the need for policies that strengthen rural health infrastructure and support the professionals who provide essential care.

Representative Smith expressed appreciation for the endorsement, stating, “I am honored to receive the support of the Oregon Nurses Association. Nurses are essential to the health and well-being of our communities, especially in rural areas where access to care can be limited. I will continue working to support our health care workforce and ensure families across Eastern Oregon have access to the care they deserve.”

This endorsement reflects growing support for Representative Smith’s work to strengthen rural communities and advocate for the resources necessary to maintain strong local health systems across District 57.