Bend, OR – In a swift and unexpected turn of events, Jerry Cummings, the newly minted chair of the Oregon Republican Party, resigned from his post on Wednesday, citing ongoing personal financial troubles and troubling allegations stemming from his 2009 divorce. The resignation comes less than two months after Cummings assumed leadership of the state’s GOP, marking yet another chapter in the party’s recent history of leadership instability.

In a letter addressed to party members, Cummings, a pastor from Columbia County, explained that the negative publicity surrounding his financial issues and past allegations would undermine his ability to effectively lead the party. He emphasized his commitment to his family and children, writing, “My position as chairman is not more important than my position as a dad. Given the choice between resuming a heated battle of mudslinging with the mother of my children in order to ‘hold on to the gavel’ or stepping down from party leadership to protect my children: that’s not even a hard call.”

Cummings’ resignation follows a series of troubling revelations published earlier this week by the Oregon Journalism Project, which uncovered significant legal and financial challenges from Cummings’ past. These included a 2009 divorce case in which his ex-wife sought a restraining order, making serious allegations of sexual violence, among other claims. While Cummings has consistently denied the allegations, court records show he was never charged with a crime based on his ex-wife’s account.

More recently, Cummings has faced legal scrutiny for financial mismanagement. Two 2024 civil lawsuits brought attention to questionable actions involving his personal finances. One case accuses Cummings of depositing invalid checks at OnPoint Community Credit Union and withdrawing over $17,000 in non-existent funds. The other lawsuit alleges he took out $93,000 in business loans, which he reportedly failed to repay.

These legal and financial issues have raised concerns about Cummings’ ability to effectively fundraise for the Oregon GOP. As chair, Cummings would have been responsible for securing donations and guiding the party’s financial strategy. With the emergence of these lawsuits, however, donors have been left questioning whether Cummings is a reliable steward of party funds.

In light of Cummings’ resignation, Oregon GOP Vice Chair Connie Whelchel has been elevated to the role of chair. Whelchel, who lives in Deschutes County, expressed her disappointment over the developments but emphasized that the party’s mission would continue unabated. “These revelations were not known to the Executive Committee or Party leadership prior to their publication, and they are in no way reflective of the values or standards we hold,” Whelchel stated. “While these developments are deeply unfortunate, they will not derail our mission.”

Cummings, who had only taken the reins of the Oregon GOP in February following a competitive election, did not leave quietly. In his resignation letter, he lamented that his departure might embolden critics within the party. “I can’t honestly say that stepping down as chairman will be what is best for the party as it may embolden enemies from within and without to keep doing this to us,” he wrote, alluding to a Republican insider who he claims provided information to reporters about his past.

Cummings’ resignation marks the latest in a series of leadership changes within the Oregon GOP. Since 2021, the party has seen a high turnover rate at the top, with six different individuals holding the position of state chair in just four years. Most notably, former state Sen. Dallas Heard’s tenure was cut short amid internal party strife, followed by Herman Baertschiger’s brief leadership stint, and Justin Hwang’s decision not to seek re-election after the party’s significant losses in the 2022 elections.

This period of volatility within the Oregon GOP raises questions about the party’s ability to recover and present a unified front in upcoming elections. Cummings’ short tenure and sudden departure underscore the ongoing challenges facing the state GOP, particularly as it struggles to regain ground after significant electoral setbacks.

As Whelchel takes on the leadership role, the party will need to find a way to stabilize and rebuild its base. Whether she can overcome the current turmoil and lead the party back to prominence remains to be seen. For now, the Oregon GOP faces another pivotal moment in its quest to reclaim influence in a state that has grown increasingly liberal in recent years.