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United States Marine Corps flag textile cloth fabric waving on the top sunrise mist fog

In the realm of American storytelling, few narratives capture the essence of perseverance, faith, and the fight for individual rights as poignantly as the movie "Average Joe" (2024). Directed by Harold Cronk and starring Eric Close as the titular character, the film is based on the real-life saga of Joe Kennedy, a high school football coach and Marine veteran whose quiet act of prayer on the field ignited a national debate on religious freedom. Released in theaters in October 2024, Average Joe chronicles Kennedy's journey from a troubled childhood in foster care, through two decades of service in the Marine Corps, to his role as an assistant coach at Bremerton High School in Washington state. The movie not only highlights the personal toll of his legal battle but also underscores broader themes of resilience against institutional pressures, making it a compelling tale of one man's unyielding commitment to his beliefs.At the heart of Average Joe is Kennedy's practice of kneeling in silent prayer at midfield after football games—a brief, personal moment of gratitude that began in 2008 when he started coaching at Bremerton High. Initially unnoticed, this act drew attention as students and players voluntarily joined him over time. In 2015, the Bremerton School District, concerned about potential violations of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, directed Kennedy to stop praying in view of students, fearing it could be seen as government endorsement of religion by a public employee. Kennedy, a devout Christian and veteran who had served 20 years in the Marines, viewed this as an infringement on his free speech and free exercise rights. Despite the directive, he continued his post-game prayers, leading to his suspension and eventual non-renewal of his coaching contract.The film portrays the immense pressure Kennedy and his wife Denise faced during this ordeal. As a school employee herself, Denise encountered workplace tensions, and the couple endured public scrutiny, legal fees, and emotional strain. Yet, true to his Marine ethos of "never give up," Kennedy persisted. He sued the school district, arguing that his prayers were private expressions protected by the Constitution. The case, Kennedy v. Bremerton School District, wound its way through the courts, facing setbacks at the district and appellate levels before reaching the U.S. Supreme Court in 2022. In a landmark 6-3 decision, the Court ruled in Kennedy's favor, holding that the district's actions violated his First Amendment rights and shifting toward a history-and-tradition approach for Establishment Clause claims. Justice Neil Gorsuch's majority opinion emphasized that the government cannot suppress personal religious observance, affirming that Kennedy's prayers were neither coercive nor an official endorsement of religion. Kennedy was reinstated, though he coached only one more season before retiring, and the district settled with him for $1.78 million in 2023.Average Joe masterfully weaves these events into a narrative of triumph over adversity, portraying Kennedy not as a crusader imposing his faith but as an "average" American defending fundamental liberties. The movie's promotional materials highlight his Marine background as a source of his tenacity, drawing parallels to broader cultural battles over religious expression in public spaces.This theme of steadfast defense of individual rights resonates deeply with another Marine veteran, Russ McAlmond, who is currently campaigning for Oregon's U.S. Senate seat in the 2026 election. Born in Bremerton, Washington, McAlmond spent the first twelve years of his life in the same town where Kennedy's story unfolded years later. This striking coincidence is particularly meaningful: McAlmond had followed Kennedy's battle closely because it originated in his childhood hometown of Bremerton, forging a personal connection to the fight for religious freedom and constitutional rights. Like Kennedy, McAlmond served in the Marines, earning an honorable discharge after three years of active duty, including a 15-month overseas deployment. McAlmond has positioned his campaign as a fight for common-sense policies that prioritize individual human rights over extreme ideologies. Running as a Republican against incumbent Democrat Jeff Merkley, McAlmond emphasizes rural priorities such as healthcare access, public safety, and rebuilding institutional trust, drawing from his own experiences in a challenging family background to advocate for those from difficult starts.McAlmond's campaign has faced its own hurdles, echoing Kennedy's institutional pushback. In 2025, Facebook suspended his account multiple times—the latest for 30 days—amid efforts to share his message on free speech and human rights. This censorship, which McAlmond attributes to platform biases, has not deterred him; instead, it has galvanized support from fellow users and Oregonians who view it as an assault on open discourse. Posts in Facebook groups highlight strong community backing, with members decrying the suspensions and rallying around his candidacy. McAlmond's response mirrors Kennedy's resolve: he continues to campaign vigorously, using alternative platforms like his website and social media to connect with voters.Both Kennedy and McAlmond exemplify the Marine spirit of pushing back against forces that threaten core American values—freedom of religion for Kennedy and freedom of speech for McAlmond. The shared Bremerton connection adds an intriguing layer to their parallel stories: two Marines, tied by the same small Washington town, standing firm against pressures that seek to limit personal liberties. In an era where debates over individual rights versus collective policies often polarize, their narratives remind us of the importance of warriors who fight for constitutional protections. For Oregon, facing challenges from healthcare disparities to economic pressures, leaders like McAlmond could provide the tenacious advocacy needed to safeguard rights for all citizens, ensuring that personal freedoms remain unyielding in the face of adversity. As Average Joe illustrates, sometimes the most extraordinary victories come from ordinary people who refuse to kneel—except in prayer or principle.

"Average Joe" and Two Marines Who Fight Back

Fake news on social media. Social media manipulation and disinformation. Man using laptop computer to post on social media.

The Perils of QAnon: Republicans, Don't Let Conspiracy Theories Destroy Our Families, Our Party, and Our Chance to Win in OregonFellow Republicans, imagine the heartbreak of watching a loved one slip away—not to illness or tragedy, but to the dark grip of a baseless conspiracy that poisons their mind, shatters family bonds, and leaves behind a trail of anger, isolation, and despair. This is the devastating reality for too many American families torn apart by QAnon, a movement that preys on our deepest fears and turns good people into shadows of themselves. We've seen it rip through homes, ending marriages, estranging parents from children, and driving believers into depression and financial ruin—all while claiming to "save" us from imaginary evils. As we approach the May 19, 2026, Republican primary for U.S. Senate in Oregon, we face a gut-wrenching choice: nominate Jo Rae Perkins, whose unyielding embrace of QAnon has already cost us dearly, or rally behind a principled moderate and US Marine veteran like Russ McAlmond, who can unite us and fight for real conservative values without the toxic baggage. We can't afford to let QAnon hijack our party again—it's not just about losing elections; it's about losing our souls, our families, and our shot at reclaiming Oregon for the people who truly matter - the majority.&nbsp;QAnon isn't just a fringe theory—it's a soul-crushing lie that has no place in our Republican family. Born in 2017 from anonymous rants on shadowy online forums, it spins tales of a secret cabal of Satan-worshipping elites—mostly our political opponents—running child sex-trafficking rings and pulling the strings on global events. The mysterious "Q" promised Donald Trump would unleash "The Storm," sweeping away these phantoms in a blaze of justice. But years have passed, and what do we have? Nothing but broken promises, shattered lives, and a movement that has fueled violence, from the Pizzagate shooting to threats against innocents. Think of the families: Husbands turning from kind providers into rage-filled isolates, wives abandoning lifelong partners, children cutting ties with parents who choose paranoia over presence. One story after another reveals the quiet damage—believers losing jobs, squandering savings on doomsday preps, and demolishing relationships in pursuit of delusions that never materialize. Republicans, this isn't strength; it's tragedy. We're the party of family values, personal responsibility, and truth—why betray that legacy by putting faith in a hoax that destroys everything we hold dear? &nbsp;In Oregon, where non-affiliated voters and independents outnumber us at over 36%, embracing QAnon isn't just foolish—it's a betrayal of every hardworking family counting on us to deliver real change, not rage-fueled fantasies. It drowns out genuine cries for help, like those from actual victims of abuse, by flooding the airwaves with wild accusations that protect no one and harm everyone. As Republicans, we owe it to our children, our spouses, and our communities to reject this poison and reclaim our party from the radicals who would drag us into the abyss.Jo Rae Perkins' story is a heartbreaking cautionary tale we can't ignore. In 2020, after clinching our primary against Jeff Merkley, she proudly declared her allegiance to QAnon, chanting "Where we go one, we go all" like a mantra that sealed her fate—and ours. The media pounced, painting her—and by extension, all of us—as unhinged extremists, and independents fled in droves. The result? A soul-crushing defeat: 39.3% to Merkley's 56.9%, with our dreams of victory evaporating because QAnon turned voters away in disgust. She repeated the nightmare in 2022 against Ron Wyden, peddling election denialism and satanic elite myths, only to limp to 40.9% in another landslide loss. Perkins' campaigns were starved of funds, bereft of broad support, and ultimately futile, leaving Oregon Republicans heartbroken and humiliated once more. Now, in 2026, she's back, carrying the same destructive weight that has kept us sidelined since our last statewide win in 2002. We can't relive this pain—nominating her again would be a dagger to the heart of every patriot who yearns for a stronger Oregon.But there's hope, Republicans—a path out of this despair. Russ McAlmond, a dedicated financial planner, human rights advocate and moderate voice, stands ready to lead us forward. He rejects extremism, focusing instead on the issues that unite us: economic prosperity, family security, and community strength. Unlike Perkins, McAlmond can appeal to the independents we desperately need, bridging divides rather than widening them. Imagine the joy of victory—the pride in electing a senator who fights for us without the shadow of conspiracy hanging over every headline. By choosing McAlmond in the Oregon primaries we honor our families, protect our party from self-destruction, and reignite the fire of conservative principles that can actually win.Republicans, the stakes couldn't be higher. QAnon isn't just costing us elections—it's stealing our loved ones, fracturing our homes, and betraying the American dream we all cherish. Don't let Jo Rae Perkins drag us back into that abyss. Vote for Russell McAlmond in the primary, and let's heal, unite, and triumph together. Our families deserve better. Our party deserves better. Oregon deserves better. Let's make it happen—before it's too late.

The Perils of QAnon Conspiracy Theory for Republicans in Oregon

The Republican Party has long positioned itself as the defender of human rights in the United States, rooted in its founding principles of individual liberty, equality, and opposition to oppression. From its inception under Abraham Lincoln to its contemporary critiques of divisive policies like diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), the GOP has consistently advocated for human dignity against collectivist ideologies that judge individuals based on group identities. This article explores the party's historical commitment to anti-slavery and civil rights reforms, debunks the notion of a "party switch" as a myth perpetuated by political opponents, and examines how modern Republicans continue this legacy by opposing what they view as discriminatory practices in today's society.Founding Principles: <strong style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);">Abraham Lincoln and the Anti-Slavery PlatformThe Republican Party was established on March 20, 1854, in Ripon, Wisconsin, as a direct response to the expansion of slavery, particularly through the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which threatened to extend the institution into new territories. Unlike the Democratic Party, which strongly supported slavery and its spread, Republicans coalesced around a platform of free labor and human equality, drawing from anti-slavery Whigs, Free Soilers, and reformers. Abraham Lincoln, the party's first president elected in 1860, embodied this ethos. He opposed slavery's expansion, viewing it as a violation of the Declaration of Independence's principle that all men are created equal. Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 and his push for the abolition of slavery marked a pivotal stand for human rights, contrasting sharply with Democratic resistance. This anti-slavery stance was not merely rhetorical; it defined the party's early actions. Republicans saw slavery as incompatible with republican government, a system that dehumanized individuals based on racial group identity. The GOP's formation represented a moral earthquake in American politics, leading to Lincoln's victory and the eventual end of slavery through the Civil War. Reconstruction Achievements: <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);">The 13th, 14th, and 15th AmendmentsFollowing the Civil War, Republicans led the charge for constitutional reforms that enshrined human rights for all Americans. The 13th Amendment (1865), abolishing slavery, passed with overwhelming Republican support in Congress, while Democrats largely opposed it. The 14th Amendment (1868) granted citizenship and equal protection under the law, and the 15th Amendment (1870) secured voting rights regardless of race. These Reconstruction Amendments were championed by Republicans, who overcame Democratic obstruction to extend freedoms to formerly enslaved people. Democrats, particularly in the South, resisted these measures fiercely, associating with groups like the Ku Klux Klan and enacting Jim Crow laws to maintain racial hierarchies. Republicans, conversely, supported anti-lynching laws, desegregation of the armed forces, and opposed poll taxes—efforts that underscored their commitment to individual rights over group-based oppression. This era solidified the GOP as the party that advanced unprecedented civil rights legislation, with no equivalent in modern politics.Debunking the "Party Switch" Myth: Continuity in Republican PrinciplesA common narrative suggests that the Republican and Democratic parties "switched" positions on civil rights in the mid-20th century, with racist Southern Democrats becoming Republicans. This claim is widely regarded as a myth in conservative scholarship, lacking historical evidence and serving as a tool to obscure Democratic culpability in racial injustices. The Republican Party never adopted pro-slavery or segregationist stances; it was Democrats who founded the Confederacy, established the KKK, and opposed key civil rights bills like the 1957 and 1960 Acts, which Republicans under Eisenhower pushed through despite Democratic filibusters. Even the 1964 Civil Rights Act saw higher proportional support from Republicans than Democrats. Figures like Strom Thurmond were rare switchers, but most segregationist Democrats remained in their party, with leaders like Robert Byrd rising to prominence. The GOP's Southern gains in the 1970s and 1980s stemmed from economic conservatism and national figures like Nixon and Reagan, not racial appeals. This continuity refutes any "switch," affirming Republicans' enduring role in human rights.Contemporary Battles: Opposing DEI and Collectivist JudgmentsTodayRepublicans continue their human rights legacy by challenging policies they argue perpetuate group-based discrimination, akin to historical slavery's collectivism. DEI initiatives are criticized as racist and antisemitic, dividing people by identity and fostering hostility toward certain groups, including Jews. Conservative analyses highlight how DEI promotes racial quotas and victimhood hierarchies, undermining merit and individual rights. Republican-led efforts, such as dismantling DEI programs in states and federal agencies, aim to restore color-blind equality, echoing the party's anti-slavery roots. Critics argue DEI exacerbates antisemitism on campuses, as seen in post-October 7, 2023, incidents, and harms civil discourse by prioritizing oppression narratives over unity. This stance positions the GOP as the modern guardian against ideologies that judge individuals by group affiliation, much like Democrats did in the 1800s.Conclusion: A Legacy of LibertyFrom Lincoln's anti-slavery platform to the Reconstruction Amendments and today's fight against DEI, the Republican Party has consistently championed human rights by prioritizing individual dignity over collectivist divisions. The myth of a "party switch" fails under scrutiny, revealing a continuous thread of GOP advocacy for equality. As A.J. Catsimatidis of the New York State Republican Party notes, the GOP has fought for rights across all groups, from abolishing slavery to fostering individual freedoms today. This enduring commitment underscores the Republican Party's role as America's true party of human rights.

Republicans: Champions of Human Rights in American History

United States Republican Party Elephant Logo.

Here is the speech on President's Day 2026. Both Russ McAlmond and Ed Diehl spoke at this event in Klamath Falls with strongly favorable reactions from local Republicans.&nbsp; "Ladies and Gentlemen of the Klamath County Republican Party, Good evening, and Happy President's Day! Thank you for your kind invitation to speak at this wonderful dinner. We are here on February 16, 2026, gathered in this beautiful corner of Oregon to celebrate the unique individuals who shaped our nation—and to draw fresh inspiration from their legacy for the battles we face today.My name is Russ McAlmond and I stand before you as a proud Republican candidate for the United States Senate from our great state of Oregon. Together, we are called to reclaim the bold, principled spirit that once defined the Republican Party and will define it again.Tonight, let us turn our eyes to one of our best presidents: Abraham Lincoln, our first Republican president, a man whose unyielding moral vision lit the path to freedom for millions and changed our country forever.Born in a log cabin, forged in hardship, Lincoln confronted one of the darkest stains on America's soul—slavery. When the nation stood on the brink of dissolution, he issued the Emancipation Proclamation, striking the chains from enslaved people and declaring that no human being could ever rightfully own another.He acted not out of fleeting politics, but out of a profound moral conviction: that every person possesses infinite value under God and the law, rooted in the sacred words of our Declaration of Independence—"All men are created equal, endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights.” Even government cannot take our human rights away from us. &nbsp;Remember the stark reality of his time: The Democratic Party of that era was the party of slavery, fiercely defending it as a constitutional right, a moral necessity, even a benevolent institution. Democrats in Congress and throughout the South fought bitterly to preserve this evil form of collectivism that was inherited from the Old World, not the New One.But Lincoln and the young Republican Party rose in defiance. Founded in 1854 to halt slavery's spread, we stood for human rights, dignity, and equality for every individual—not as members of favored or disfavored groups, but as unique human beings created in God's image. We denied collectivism which was a European value, not American.And our commitment did not end with victory on the battlefield. Republican majorities in Congress drove through the transformative amendments that redefined America:The 13th Amendment, abolishing slavery forever. The 14th Amendment, securing equal protection and due process for all. The 15th Amendment, guaranteeing the right to vote regardless of race. These were not mere laws; they were moral triumphs that lifted our nation closer to its founding promise. Democrats offered almost no support—opposing these measures with overwhelming majorities. Yet Republicans prevailed - making the party the most human rights oriented party in the history of the country. We are the party of equal rights for everyone, free speech and religion for all, and the right to bear arms for self-defense in an increasingly dangerous world. We are on the right side of history – Democrats are not. In the deepest sense, Abraham Lincoln was the original Ethical Individualism Republican. As I explore in my book, Ethical Individualism: A Human Relational Philosophy, this is a practical, simple and truth-based philosophy for human relations that insists we treat every person as a unique individual of equal worth to all other human beings. Ethical Individualism is utterly opposed to the collectivism promoted today by the Democratic Party and people like Tina Kotek and Jeff Merkley. Lincoln lived this truth. He rejected the poison of group judgmentalism: the dehumanizing habit of labeling entire races, classes, or peoples as inferior or collectively guilty. Slavery was an expression of that evil—stripping individuals of their uniqueness, reducing them to stereotypes and inferior value that dehumanized them. My fellow Republicans, this is our heritage—a shining legacy of being a champion of human rights based on the individual against every form of collectivist tyranny. Look around: The modern Democratic Party pushes a corrosive European collectivism that sorts Americans into rigid groups, elevating some while diminishing others through identity politics and DEI policies. They judge people not by who they are as individuals, but by their category—race, gender, background—fostering division, resentment, and endless grievance. Karl Marx was a European who saw people as groups and promoted class warfare against wealthy people. Today, Jeff Merkley and Bernie Sanders do the same thing. This is not moral progress even though they call themselves “progressives”; it is moral regression to the very group judgmentalism that fueled history's worst injustices – including the Holocaust. It denies the infinite uniqueness of every human soul and erodes the equality Lincoln died to secure. It opposes the founding values of our Republic once again making it un-American just as slavery was. But we Republicans will stop this regression by Democrats as well in the 21st Century. We are the party of the unique individual—the hardworking farmer here in Klamath County, the innovative entrepreneur in Portland, the veteran who served with honor, the parent raising the next generation – all unique individuals who can only be judged by their individuality. Guided by Ethical Individualism, we fight for policies that empower every person: lower taxes to let families keep more of what they earn, secure borders to protect our communities and keep them safe, schools that teach true history and real skills, defense of the unborn, support for law enforcement including ICE officers, and laws that always recognize the equal value and uniqueness of all Americans. As your next U.S. Senator from Oregon, I pledge to carry Lincoln's torch forward. We will stand against division, reject group favoritism, and build a nation where every American—regardless of background—is judged by the content of their character, free to pursue their God-given potential without government coercion or collective blame. I pledge to fight against the Democratic Socialists that Jeff Merkley aligns with who want to drag us backwards, not only on human relations and freedoms, but economically as well. They are promoting a failed economic system that has never worked in world history. Socialism is collectivist and based on classes of human beings. Capitalism is based on allowing the individual to pursue their creative dreams. And this is why socialism always fails and capitalism is always successful. The Republican Party that freed the slaves can once again lead America to a brighter, more united future – a Golden Age of Human Relations in our country. Together, we will make it happen. God bless you all. God bless Oregon. And God bless the United States of America! Thank you."

Russ McAlmond Speaks with Klamath County Republicans

Elderly male voter with bulletin in hands comes to voting booth

In the upcoming 2026 election for Oregon's U.S. Senate seat, voters face a clear choice between Russ McAlmond, a Republican candidate and proud U.S. Marine veteran who staunchly supports Voter ID requirements to protect election integrity, and incumbent Senator Jeff Merkley, who has consistently opposed such measures. McAlmond's commitment to commonsense reforms aligns with the overwhelming majority of Americans who recognize the need for secure voting processes. By contrast, Merkley's resistance to Voter ID, evident in his co-sponsorship of legislation aimed at blocking reforms like the SAVE America Act, overlooks the broad consensus on this issue. As Oregonians prepare to cast their ballots, embracing Voter ID under leaders like McAlmond will ensure that our democracy remains strong, fair, and reserved for eligible citizens.Voter ID enjoys immense popularity across the United States, reflecting a shared understanding that simple safeguards enhance trust in elections. Recent polls demonstrate that 83% of Americans favor requiring government-issued photo ID to vote, including 95% of Republicans and 71% of Democrats. This support extends across demographics, with 76% of African Americans endorsing Voter ID requirements. These figures underscore that Voter ID is not a partisan tool but a widely accepted standard for maintaining the sanctity of the ballot box. McAlmond's advocacy for Voter ID resonates with this national sentiment, positioning him as a candidate who listens to the people rather than adhering to outdated opposition.At its core, voting is one of the most sacred rights in our democracy, a privilege that must be exclusively exercised by U.S. citizens to preserve the voice of the American people. The Constitution entrusts citizens with the power to shape our government, and allowing non-citizens to participate undermines this foundational principle. Voter ID serves as a straightforward mechanism to verify citizenship, ensuring that every vote cast reflects the will of those who are legally entitled to influence our nation's direction. McAlmond understands this imperative, championing policies that protect this right for Oregonians and all Americans, while Merkley's stance risks diluting the value of citizenship in our electoral process. Moreover, requiring ID for voting aligns with everyday practices where identification is mandatory for far less critical activities. Americans routinely present photo ID to board a plane, purchase alcohol, open a bank account, or even pick up a prescription at the pharmacy. These transactions, while important, pale in comparison to the act of voting, which determines the leaders who guide our country. If ID is essential for these routine matters, it stands to reason that it should be required for something as vital as electing our representatives. McAlmond's support for Voter ID acknowledges this logical consistency, promoting a system that is both secure and familiar to voters.This approach is not unique to the United States; most developed countries around the world mandate Voter ID to safeguard their elections, demonstrating that such requirements are effective and uncontroversial globally. As of 2021, 176 countries or jurisdictions required photo ID for voting, including all 27 European Union nations. Nations like Germany, Canada, India, and Mexico enforce strict ID rules without compromising voter turnout, proving that Voter ID enhances rather than hinders democratic participation. There is no legitimate reason for the U.S. to lag behind these standards, especially when our elections face increasing scrutiny. McAlmond's vision brings America in line with these international best practices, fostering greater confidence in our system. The urgency of this issue was highlighted just yesterday when the U.S. House of Representatives passed the SAVE America Act, a bill that mandates photo ID and proof of citizenship for federal elections. This legislation, which now heads to the Senate, represents a pivotal step toward nationwide election security. As a senator, McAlmond would fight to advance such reforms, ensuring Oregon's voice contributes to a more robust democracy. In contrast, Merkley's opposition to similar measures could stall this progress, leaving our elections vulnerable.Oregon deserves a senator who prioritizes election integrity and represents the commonsense values of its people. Russ McAlmond's unwavering support for Voter ID will protect our democratic process, honor the exclusivity of citizenship, and align the U.S. with global standards. By electing McAlmond, Oregonians can secure a future where every vote counts and is counted fairly.

Voter ID? Absolutely Yes

Oregon state of United States flag waving cloudy sky background

Ladies and Gentlemen, fellow Oregonians, friends, and neighbors—thank you for being here today. My name is Russ McAlmond, and I'm running for the United States Senate because I believe Oregon deserves better. We deserve a senator who listens to all of us, not just the extremes. For too long, our state has been represented by voices that divide us rather than unite us. Jeff Merkley, our current senator, has aligned himself with the Democratic Socialists, pushing policies that are out of step with the hardworking families, farmers, small business owners, and everyday folks who make Oregon the incredible place it is. I'm here to offer a different path—one rooted in common sense, individual freedom, and equality for every American not only special groups.&nbsp;Let me start with a hard truth: In Oregon, Republicans are a minority party. We know that. The numbers don't lie - there are a lot more Democrats than Republicans registered in the state of Oregon. Independents and non-affiliated voters, or NAVs as we call them, make up almost 40% of our electorate. They're the independents who think for themselves, the folks who've grown tired of party labels and just want results. Without their support, we simply can't win a statewide election. That's why this campaign isn't just for Republicans. It's for everyone who believes in fiscal responsibility, strong borders, energy independence, legal immigration and protecting our natural resources without crippling our economy.Jeff Merkley? He's not that senator - and hasn't been for years.&nbsp;He's extreme—voting in lockstep with the far-left agenda that prioritizes socialist experiments over Oregon's real needs. Whether it's his support for dehumanizing the police, open borders without vetting that strain our communities, men competing against women, collectivism, or massive government deficit spending that fuels inflation and hurts working families, Merkley is out of touch with the majority of Oregonians. He cozies up to the Democratic Socialists in New York, but what about the loggers in rural Oregon, the tech workers in Portland, or the families in Bend struggling with high costs? They want practical solutions, not ideological extremism. That's why our message should appeal broadly—to Republicans, yes, but also to moderate voters and even conservative Democrats who feel abandoned by their own party. If you're a Democrat who desires Voter ID, strong borders, pro-Second Amendment, or just plain fed up with the extreme shift left and hate in your party, I want your vote. If you're an independent who's seen enough of the status quo, join us. We're talking about lower taxes to keep more money in your pocket, better schools without indoctrination, and treating you as the unique individual you are.&nbsp;We're about securing our elections, supporting our veterans, and ensuring that Oregon's beauty—from the coast to the Cascades—is preserved for generations without extreme environmental mandates that kill jobs and restrict who can enjoy our beautiful state.&nbsp;But to win, we Republicans must do something different this time. We can't keep fighting the same battles the same way. <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);">Every election, Democrats attack us on human equality and rights, painting us as the villains. It's a tired, hateful and false script - and it's time we reclaim our true heritage.The Republican Party is the party of Abraham Lincoln—the man who freed the slaves and preserved the Union. We were the anti-slavery party when Democrats were the pro-slavery party. It was Republicans who pushed through the 13th Amendment to end slavery, the 14th to guarantee equal protection under the law, and the 15th to secure voting rights for all men, regardless of race with almost zero support from Democrats.&nbsp; The Republican Party was founded as a human rights party with the best track record for equality and human rights of any political party in the nation.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Democrats were enacting Jim Crow laws, enforcing segregation, forming the KKK, and resisting civil rights at every turn. This is the truth about the Democratic Party's history on Civil Rights that they never want to talk about.&nbsp;The United States was founded on the idea that every person has God-given rights—life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness—that no state or collective can take away. That is what made the USA unique from most other nations - it is the true definition of Americanism. This also why the Republican Party was the party opposed to slavery.&nbsp;Collectivism by Democrats? That's a European import, a left-wing ideology that led to the horrors of the Soviet Union, where the state crushed the individual for the so-called greater good. In leftist systems, individual rights are always subordinate to the state—your freedoms sacrificed on the altar of equity or the collective will. This is what Jeff Merkley supports and wants Oregon to become - collectivist.&nbsp;As Republicans, we stand for the individual as our founders did: your right to speak freely, worship as you choose, own private property, and defend yourself. We fight for the unborn child's right to life, for parents' rights in education, and for workers' rights to keep what they earn without excessive government interference by higher taxation and regulations.&nbsp;Jeff Merkley and his allies talk a big game on rights, but their vision is collectivist—group identities over personal merit, government mandates over personal choice. That's not equality; that's control and authoritariarnism - that is European-style collective leftism.&nbsp;And it's not what Oregon needs - or wants.&nbsp;Imagine an Oregon where we prioritize individual opportunity: scholarships based on need and merit, not race or group; criminal justice that protects victims while reforming fairly; and immigration policies that welcome legal newcomers who contribute and are self-sufficient. Legal immigration extended only to those who agree with our founding values of individual freedom.&nbsp;That's the human rights agenda we offer—one that lifts everyone by empowering the individual, not dividing us into collectives and pitting us against each other.&nbsp;Friends, this election is about more than party lines. It's about reclaiming Oregon's spirit of independence, innovation, and fairness. Jeff Merkley represents an extreme minority - a senator who's more at home in socialist circles than in our timber towns, fishing communities or even the Portland suburbs.&nbsp;I represent you: the everyday Oregonian who wants a government that serves, not dictates. So, I ask you today: Whether you're Republican, independent, NAV, or a disillusioned Democrat, stand with me. Volunteer, donate, talk to your neighbors. Together, we can send a message to Washington that Oregon is ready for change. Let's elect a senator who fights for individual rights, unites our state, and puts Oregon first.Thank you, God bless you, and God bless the great state of Oregon!

McAlmond for US Senate Oregon

Blog

"Average Joe" and Two Marines Who Fight Back

The Perils of QAnon Conspiracy Theory for Republicans in ...

Republicans: Champions of Human Rights in American History

Russ McAlmond Speaks with Klamath County Republicans

Voter ID? Absolutely Yes

A Speech for All Oregonians