House Republican Leader Jeff Helfrich has stepped down from his position citing frustration with internal conflicts within the caucus. In an internal letter to caucus members, Helfrich expressed feeling like he was playing a solo in the band with his teammates heckling him, instead of working as a team. He mentioned unexpected challenges within the caucus, including someone trying to oust him while he was away burying his father. Helfrich’s resignation comes during a year of leadership turnover in both parties, with Republicans needing to elect a new caucus leader.
Helfrich highlighted his accomplishments as caucus leader, including helping defend vulnerable House Republicans in the November election. He also mentioned being proud of rolling back Oregon’s drug decriminalization law. Despite his resignation, Helfrich assured his support for the next caucus leader to continue the caucus’s work effectively. He emphasized the importance of unity within the party and urged members to have adult conversations rather than plotting leadership takeovers.
Moving forward, Helfrich looks forward to spending more time with his family and attending their activities, which he had to sacrifice due to his political role. The position of House Republican leader is critical in helping members fundraise and advance the caucus’s agenda during legislative sessions. Helfrich’s departure marks the fourth House Republican leader in four years, adding to the ongoing instability within the party’s leadership.
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