AM Live Guest Senator Todd Nash 3/26/2026
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “AM Live Guest Senator Todd Nash 3/26/2026” inside PodZeus.
In this episode of AM Live on EOA, host Ben welcomes Oregon Senator Todd Nash for his first appearance on the show, discussing his journey from a first-generation rancher in Wallowa County to serving in the state legislature. Nash reflects on his eight-year tenure as a county commissioner, highlighting the challenges of balancing tight budgets, making tough decisions like cutting funding to the county library, and revitalizing the fairgrounds through creative funding strategies. He emphasizes the vastness and complexity of his legislative district, which spans multiple counties and includes some of Oregon's most rural areas, and shares the personal and professional adjustments of transitioning from a well-compensated commissioner role to a part-time state senator with a significantly lower salary. Nash discusses key legislative achievements, including Senate Bill 777, which enhanced wolf compensation for ranchers by introducing a multiplier effect to account for broader economic and emotional impacts, and securing permanent state funding for county fairgrounds after a decade-long effort. He also recounts the defeat of a housing bill aimed at allowing development on resource lands in low-density counties, despite strong support, due to opposition from powerful lobbies, and shares a dramatic moment when he forced a public vote in committee to expose hidden opposition. The conversation closes with a discussion on truth-in-labeling legislation for lab-grown meat, which faced resistance despite broad bipartisan support, underscoring the challenges of advocacy in a system where votes are often predetermined. Throughout, Nash advocates for rural representation, transparency, and accountability in state government.
Rural legislators like Senator Nash represent vast, sparsely populated districts that require full-time dedication despite being classified as 'part-time' positions.
Senate Bill 777 significantly improved wolf compensation by introducing a multiplier effect to cover not just the loss of one animal but also associated economic and emotional costs.
The permanent restoration of $250,000 annually to Oregon’s county fairgrounds—funded through a revived 1% video lottery allocation—was a major victory for rural infrastructure and emergency preparedness.
Forced public votes in committees can expose hidden opposition and increase legislative transparency, especially when bills are quietly killed without debate.
Efforts to allow housing development on resource lands in low-density counties were blocked by powerful lobbies, despite support from the governor and rural commissioners.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introduction and Morning Updates
The episode opens with host Ben welcoming listeners to AM Live on EOA, providing links to the show’s digital platforms and previewing the upcoming guest, Oregon Senator Todd Nash. A sports report is delivered by Northwest Furniture and Mattress, covering local high school and college athletic results, including EOU softball’s national ranking and the LHS baseball team’s Arizona trip. Weather updates highlight a cold snap with freezing temperatures expected overnight.
Senator Todd Nash’s Background and Early Life
Senator Todd Nash shares his roots in Wallowa County, growing up involved in outdoor activities, ranching, and working in the timber industry. He recounts his journey from community college to working in California, returning to Wallowa County to start a family and eventually becoming a first-generation rancher. His career path includes working at a sawmill, assisting other ranchers, and eventually leasing and building ownership of his own ranch.
County Commissioner Experience and Public Service
Nash reflects on his eight-year tenure as a Wallowa County commissioner, describing the steep learning curve of public service, budgeting, and shifting from a business mindset to a public service mindset. He discusses difficult decisions like cutting funding to the county library due to budget constraints and the emotional toll of having to collect unpaid taxes. He highlights positive achievements, such as revitalizing the fairgrounds and securing over $2 million in funding for deferred maintenance.
Transition to State Senate and Legislative Challenges
Nash discusses his transition from county commissioner to state senator, emphasizing the vastness of his district—spanning multiple counties and covering over 370 miles from his home to the Capitol. He reflects on the personal and logistical challenges of representing such a large, rural area, including the need for strong relationships with other rural leaders. He also addresses the pay cut from commissioner to senator and the reality that his role is effectively full-time despite being classified as part-time.
Legislative Wins: Wolf Compensation and Fairgrounds Funding
“The real cost of wolves in Oregon is even higher than that when you look at the loss of game populations, what ODF&W has to put into it, wildlife services has to put into it, some of the non-profits, some of the federal grants. The bill is just staggering what wolves have cost Oregon.”
“I forced a vote there in committee and made the three of them take a no vote on that. And it was so dramatic when that happened that she burst into tears because she knew she made a vote that was wrong and contrary to the needs of what rural Oregon had.”
“The real cost of wolves in Oregon is even higher than that when you look at the loss of game populations, what ODF&W has to put into it, wildlife services has to put into it, some of the non-profits, some of the federal grants. The bill is just staggering what wolves have cost Oregon.”
“You pay those people that are being impacted the most and suffering the financial and emotional hardships. That seems like that would be something that the conservation community would want to do.”
Host
Guest
Senator Todd Nash
person
Wallowa County
place
Oregon Senate
organization
Fairgrounds
place
Senate Bill 777
other
Video Lottery
other
Lab-Grown Meat
product
Oregon League of Conservation Voters
organization
Isaac Insko
person
Northwest Furniture and Mattress
brand
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “AM Live Guest Senator Todd Nash 3/26/2026” inside PodZeus.
Start discovering podcast insights today
Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.
No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime