State Rep. Greg Smith (R-Heppner) has welcomed Calvin Bennett to his legislative team as chief of staff.
Bennett succeeds Dawson Quinton, who served in Smith’s office for three and a half years. Smith said Bennett will continue in Quinton’s footsteps by playing a crucial role in shaping legislative priorities and working on key initiatives for District 57.
Bennett graduated from Mitchell High School and Eastern Oregon University (EOU). While at EOU, Bennett was a double major in business administration and marketing with a minor in political science. During Bennett’s senior year, he served as president of the Associated Students of Eastern Oregon University and saw Smith’s impact in the capitol firsthand.
“Rep. Smith’s significance in Salem is truly unique,” Bennett said. “He is someone who everyone looks up to in the Capitol and it is a deep honor to work with him.”
Smith said he is excited to work alongside Bennett.
“He has an impressive resume, honest character, and it does not hurt that he is from one of my favorite small towns in Oregon” Smith said.
Smith was recently elected to serve his 13th term as a state representative, making him the longest-serving member in the Oregon Legislature, as well as the fourth longest-serving state representative in Oregon history.