Jerry Relph

Political positions

Relph opposed a paid family/sick leave proposal, calling it a "statewide social security system". He opposed universal preschool, calling it a "step to creating cradle to grave control by the government."

In early 2020, Relph expressed concern over COVID-19, arguing the state was inadequately prepared to combat it. He authored legislation, which was signed into law, to provide nearly $2.1 million in aid to fight the pandemic. At the party, there was little compliance with public health recommendations, such as wearing face masks. He was hospitalized in mid-November.

After weeks of hospitalization, Relph died from complications of the virus on December 18. His daughter, angry at the get-together that preceded his illness, asked, "Why are you throwing a party with 100-plus people in the middle of a pandemic?"