Jeff Helfrich

Jeffrey Allen Helfrich (born April 1968) is an American politician currently serving as a member of the Oregon House of Representatives representing the 52nd district, which covers all of Hood River County and parts of Clackamas, Multnomah and Wasco counties. A Republican, he previously served as Minority Leader of the house from 2023 until 2025.

Early life Helfrich served as an airman in the United States Air Force during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. He then was a sergeant with the Portland Police Bureau for 25 years.

Political career Helfrich served on the Cascade Locks City Council from his appointment in 2011 until November 2012. He was again appointed in February 2013 and served until June 2015, when he resigned and moved to Hood River.

On November 6, 2017, incumbent Oregon State Representative Mark Johnson resigned. Helfrich was appointed by a unanimous vote of Clackamas, Hood River, and Multnomah county commissioners to serve the remainder of his term.

Helfrich ran for a full two-year term in 2018, but was defeated by Democrat Anna Williams. In 2020, he lost a rematch with Williams. In 2022, Williams retired and Helrich defeated Darcy Long to reclaim the seat.

In 2023, Helfrich was one of the few legislators to vote no on SB184.This legislation requires that payments made to independent contractors also be reported to the state of Oregon for child support collecting purposes. Prior to the passage of this bill it was near impossible for the state of Oregon to collect child support from independent contractors who refused to support their children.

In September 2023, Helfrich was elected minority leader of the Oregon House of Representatives, replacing Vikki Breese-Iverson who stepped down a week prior.

Electoral history