Connie Whelchel
Connie Whelchel | |
|---|---|
| Chair of the Oregon Republican Party | |
| Assumed office April 9, 2025 | |
| Preceded by | Jerry Cummings |
| Vice-Chair of the Oregon Republican Party | |
| In office February 22, 2025 – April 9, 2025 | |
| Preceded by | Angela Plowhead |
| Succeeded by | Dave Brown |
| Personal details | |
| Political party | Republican (since 2015) |
| Other political affiliations | Democratic (before 2015) |
| Education | Linn–Benton Community College Western Oregon University (BA, MBA) |
Connie Whelchel is an American politician and businesswoman currently serving as chair of the Oregon Republican Party since April 9, 2025, replacing Jerry Cummings after his resignation.[1][2] She had previously served as vice-chair from February to April of 2025,[3] and as vice-chair of the Deschutes County Republican Party.[4]
Early life and education
Whelchel was born and raised in Oregon. She attended Linn–Benton Community College and received a bachelor's degree in psychology and master of business administration.
Career
Whelchel is a compensation risk advisor in the commercial insurance industry. She has previously worked as an operations director at a medical clinic, marketing agent and event coordinator, and as a personal assistant.[5]
Political career
In 2020, Whelchel began protesting Oregon's COVID-19 lockdowns in Downtown Bend. In 2021, she began becoming active in politics and was appointed a Republican precinct committeewoman, and later precinct captain. In 2021, she was elected vice-chair of the Deschutes County Republican Party, and was re-elected in 2024. In September 2023, she was appointed GOTV chair of the Oregon Republican Party. She was a delegate to the 2024 Republican National Convention, casting her vote for Donald Trump. She was asked by friends and acquaintances to run for an officer position in the Oregon Republican Party, and was elected vice-chair on February 22, 2025.[6][5]
On April 9, 2025, she succeeded Jerry Cummings as chair of the Oregon Republican Party due to his resignation amid a sex abuse scandal involving him and his ex-wife.[1][2][7]
Personal life
Whelchel identifies as a centrist, and was formerly a Democrat. She cites the Democratic Party's shift to the far left and lack of action in regards to the state's issues with the reason she became a Republican.[5]
References
- ^ a b "Connie Whelchel Takes Over as Oregon Republican Party Chair - Right Now Oregon". rightnoworegon.com. 2025-04-11. Archived from the original on 2025-04-11. Retrieved 2025-07-16.
- ^ a b Fuentes, Carlos (2025-04-10). "Oregon GOP chairman resigns after extensive financial, legal troubles exposed". oregonlive. Archived from the original on 2025-04-25. Retrieved 2025-07-16.
- ^ Hughes, Dick (2025-03-06). "Oregon insiders: Who's who in and around state government". Oregon Capital Insider. Archived from the original on 2025-04-08. Retrieved 2025-07-16.
- ^ Kalk, Nicole. "Former Vice Chair of the DRP is the new chair for the Oregon Republican Party". Deschutes Republicans. Archived from the original on 2025-06-07. Retrieved 2025-07-16.
- ^ a b c Oregon.GOP (2025-04-30). Connie Whelchel | KQEN News Radio. Retrieved 2025-07-16 – via YouTube.
- ^ Sunseri, Antonio (2025-03-11). "Oregon Republicans choose new leaders". Argus Observer | Ontario, OR. Retrieved 2025-07-16.
- ^ "Murmurs: Merkley Addresses 2026 Plans". Willamette Week. 2025-04-16. Retrieved 2025-06-30.