Oregon

This webpage houses the responses to 7 questions crafted by the Oregon Stance on Science team.

Only official candidates who will appear on ballots were contacted.

Candidates were contacted in September 2026 (with a follow-up to those who did not initially respond) and given the opportunity to answer the questions selected for their race. Only the responses of candidates who answered the questions are included. None of the candidates' responses were modified in any way before being published on this resource page.

For the November 2026 general election, only candidates in the following elections were contacted:

1. In the age of social media and AI, it is faster and easier than ever for information to spread, and in many ways this is making it increasingly difficult to trust. Information presented as “evidenced-based” or “backed by science” is no exception. However, with the rates of current AI algorithms providing incorrect information to users, it is also incredibly easy for internet users to be misinformed by AI tools that claim to present accurate information or by people rapidly spreading incorrect information. What policies, if any, would you support to help curb the spread of scientific misinformation through the use of AI or social media? (see "Artificial Intelligence" and "Social Media")Asked of: US Senate candidates.
2. In 2025 alone, the National Science Foundation (NSF) and National Institute on Health (NIH) awarded over $500 million in research grants and contracts to Oregon universities, which directly supported over $1 billion of economic activity in Oregon. However, federal funding cuts for science research and agencies like the NIH and NSF leaves the future for science research less assured. What policies, if any, do you support or plan to implement to secure funding for continued science research at either the state or federal level? (see "Science Funding")Asked of: US Senate candidates.
3. Many Oregon residents and policymakers have put pressure on the energy industry to reduce power production from facilities which present hazards to the environment, such as the retirement of multiple coal power plants. However, Oregonians are also facing sharply rising electricity bills driven by surging market prices and rapidly growing demand, including from the proliferation of data centers across the region. If elected, what specific steps will you take to address the causes of high energy costs for Oregon residents and businesses, including data centers? (see "Energy" and "Environment")Asked of: US Senate, Governor candidates.
4. Artificial intelligence is being rapidly adopted across many sectors of the economy and society, raising questions about workforce impacts, data privacy, equity of access, and economic competitiveness. What are your top policy priorities for addressing the opportunities and challenges that AI presents for Oregon residents? (see "Artificial Intelligence" and "Jobs and Workforce")Asked of: US Senate, Governor candidates.
5. Distrust in science has been on the rise among the general public and policymakers, which has been associated with changes in federal funding for scientific research. In order to bridge this gap, how do you think scientists and policymakers can work together to strengthen their communication? (see "Science Diplomacy" and "Trust in Science")Asked of: US Senate, Governor candidates.
6. Recent policies and budget decisions have led to the termination of thousands of research grants across the country. Oregon’s universities and tech centers such as the “Silicon Forest” are important research hubs for scientists and engineers in the region and bring a lot of economic benefit to the state. What role do you think research should have in Oregon and what action, if any, will you take to retain scientific talent to the state? (see "Jobs and Workforce" and "Science Funding")Asked of: Governor candidates.
7. Oregon has developed a brand as a “green” state, both for its wildlife and natural beauty, which attract billions of dollars in recreation and tourism revenue, as well as for its focus on the development and proliferation of green technology. However, this has often been at odds with Oregon’s historic timber and agriculture industries. What policies, if any, do you support or envision in managing land-based resources in Oregon (i.e. water, forests, parks) and how will you balance conservation with economic development in Oregon’s natural resource sectors? (see "Agriculture" and "Environment")Asked of: Governor candidates.