Press Release | Connie Whelchel new Oregon Republican Party Chair
DESCHUTES COUNTY REPUBLICAN PARTY
PRESS RELEASE
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Apr 14, 2025
Contact: Keith Rockow, Chair
Deschutes Republican Party Celebrates Connie Whelchel’s Appointment as
Oregon Republican Party Chair
BEND, Ore. — The Deschutes Republican Party (DRP) proudly announces that Connie Whelchel, formerly the DRP Vice Chair, has officially assumed the role of Chair of the Oregon Republican Party (ORP). Ms. Whelchel was elected as ORP Vice Chair in February 2025 and stepped into the Chair position following the recent resignation of her predecessor, in accordance with party bylaws.
“We are immensely proud of Connie Whelchel’s appointment to lead the Oregon Republican Party,” said Keith Rockow, Chair of the DRP. “While her transition to state leadership was unexpected, it is absolutely well-deserved. Connie’s exceptional work in Deschutes County has demonstrated her capacity to lead effectively at the state level.”
During her tenure as Vice Chair of the DRP, Ms. Whelchel spearheaded numerous initiatives that strengthened the party’s foundation and expanded its impact throughout Central Oregon. Her accomplishments include:
- Contributed to fundraising efforts giving a record-breaking $48,000 to candidates in Deschutes County, far surpassing any other county GOP candidate contributions in Oregon.
- Spearheaded innovative outreach campaigns including texting, mailers, and voter registration efforts, resulting in a 52% increase in Republican registrations over Democrats in Deschutes County during the 2024 Primary.
- Strengthened Digital Engagement & Data Strategy: Drove strategic communications and partnered on digital campaigns reaching over 169,000 people, increasing website traffic and engagement. Co-created a data dashboard and texting campaign to enhance targeting and outreach effectiveness statewide.
The DRP expresses complete confidence that Ms. Whelchel will bring the same level of dedication, innovation, and strategic vision to her new role at the ORP. Her leadership has already driven exceptional progress at the county level, and we look forward to seeing her impact statewide as she works to strengthen, unify, and grow the Republican Party across Oregon.If you’re ready to help elect Republicans and make a difference in Deschutes County, we invite you to get involved! Visit www.deschutesrepublicans.org or email us at [email protected] to learn more.
For more information about the Deschutes Republican Party and its initiatives, please visit deschutesrepublicans.org
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