Jeff Helfrich

Jeffrey Allen Helfrich was born in April 1968 in Denver, Colorado. He is a Republican member of the Oregon House of Representatives, representing District 52, which covers all of Hood River County and parts of Clackamas, Multnomah, and Wasco counties. The district runs along the Columbia River from The Dalles to Gresham, including communities around Mt. Hood.

Helfrich has been a public servant for over 30 years. He resides in Hood River, Oregon, with his wife Shawna and their two young children.

Education and Political Experience

Military and Law Enforcement Background

Helfrich served as an airman in the United States Air Force during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. He later worked as a sergeant with the Portland Police Bureau for 25 years and served as a patrol deputy in Multnomah County.

Political Career

Helfrich was appointed to the Oregon House of Representatives in November 2017 to fill the remainder of Mark Johnson's term. He ran for a full two-year term in 2018 but was defeated by Democrat Anna Williams. He lost a rematch in 2020, but in 2022, after Williams retired, Helfrich defeated Darcy Long to reclaim the seat.

Prior to his appointment to the House, he served as a Cascade Locks City Councilor.

Notable Position

In September 2023, Helfrich was elected Minority Leader of the Oregon House of Representatives, replacing Vikki Breese-Iverson. He held this leadership position until 2025.