Oregon GOP Chair steps down. VP Connie Welchel replaces.

By Oregon Campaign Watch,

The newly elected Chair of the Oregon State Republican Party resigned today following media reporting on his divorce and financial court records.   The Chair said he had to put his family first ahead of any more politics  or controversey over the issue.  As per Party rules, the Oregon Republican Party Vice Chair, Connie Whelchel, steps in as the replacement.

Below is both the exiting Chair’s letter followed by the replacing Chair’s letter.

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Release Date: April 9, 2025

From the desk of Jerry Cummings, PhD, Oregon Republican Party Chairman

Yesterday, as you may know, an article was published by Nigel Jaquiss of Willamette Week leveling allegations against me. Beginning sixteen years ago this coming fall, my first wife and I went through a messy and painful divorce. I’ve been on record defending against these things for a decade and a half. My children are now young adults. And beginning the cycle of he said/she said with their mother is not something I want to put them through in public forums. It is also clear that my desire in running for Chairman, to unite the party and focus on winning elections, is hampered by these allegations and that they will serve as a distraction to the work of the party and our Republican elected officials and candidates going into what is a critical election cycle in 2026. Thank you to all of you who have reached out and offered your support and encouragement. Please do not be discouraged. As a friend of mine said to me, “if you’re drawing fire, then you must be over the target.” There are three questions that we should be asking. Why are they suddenly interested in attacking volunteers in leadership of the Oregon Republican Party? What are they are afraid of? Who will be next?

I can’t honestly say that stepping down as chairman will be what is best for the party as it may embolden enemies from within and without to keep doing this to us. It was a Republican who called Mr. Jaquiss with the story. What I do know is that my position as chairman is not more important than my position as a dad. So, given the choice between resuming a heated battle of mudslinging with the mother of my children in order to “hold on to the gavel” or stepping down from party leadership to protect my children: that’s not even a hard call.

I’ll be stepping down as chairman effective immediately. Jerry Cummings, PhD
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Release Date: April 9, 2025

Statement from the New Oregon Republican Party Chairwoman Connie Whelchel

We are grateful for the time and energy our former Chair dedicated to the Oregon Republican Party during his tenure. His decision to step down comes amid deeply troubling information that recently came to light. These revelations were not known to the Executive Committee or Party leadership prior to their publication, and they are in no way reflective of the values or standards we hold. While these developments are deeply unfortunate, they will not derail our mission.

In accordance with our bylaws, I have assumed the role of Chairwoman of the Republican Party. I am fully prepared to continue the important work already underway. We have begun implementing robust strategic plans to unify Republicans across Oregon, grow our party, and support strong candidates up and down the ballot. That work continues—without pause.

We remain focused on our mission, and we are moving forward with clarity and determination to a future in which Oregon is strong and healthy, and where Oregonians can thrive.

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