Crook County Commissioners advocate for Central Oregon priorities at 2026 State of the Union address
WASHINGTON, D.C. (KTVZ) -- Crook County Commissioners Seth Crawford and Susan Hermreck were in attendance at the 2026 State of the Union where they advocated for Central Oregon Priorities at the nation's capital.
While in Washington, D.C., Commissioner Crawford and Commissioner Hermreck met with Congressman Cliff Bentz, Senator Jeff Merkley, and Senator Ron Wyden to address federal policy issues affecting rural communities.
Read the full release below, including what Central Oregon lawmakers had to say about the State of the Union address.
Washington, D.C. – Crook County Commissioner Seth Crawford attended the President’s State of the Union Address at the United States Capitol Building during a recent trip to the nation’s capital, where he also met with Oregon’s federal delegation to advocate for key priorities impacting Crook County and Central Oregon.
“It was an honor to attend the State of the Union,” said Crawford. “A huge thank you to Senator Merkley for sharing his ticket. I am so proud to be an American. We are already seeing how the changes the Trump administration is making are improving the lives of the people in Crook County.”
Commissioner Crawford and Commissioner Hermreck traveled to Washington, D.C., to participate in the annual conference of the National Association of Counties (NACo), ensuring rural counties have a strong voice in national policy discussions.
While in Washington, D.C., Commissioner Crawford and Commissioner Hermreck met with Congressman Cliff Bentz, Senator Jeff Merkley, and Senator Ron Wyden to address federal policy issues affecting rural communities.
Top priorities included strengthening rural transportation infrastructure, including Juniper Canyon and the 126/Powell Butte Hwy intersection; delisting gray wolves on the west side of Oregon, including Crook County; streamlining federal permitting; and increasing timber production. Commissioner Crawford emphasized that rural communities need practical, balanced federal policies that support both economic stability and local safety.
“Rural counties must have a seat at the table,” Crawford added. “Crook County may be small in population, but our community, natural resources, and families deserve strong representation. I will continue working to ensure our voice is heard.”
