Oregon House Republicans elect McMinnville’s Rep. Lucetta Elmer to lead them

The new leader of the Oregon House Republicans said she’s focused on elevating the voice of Oregon’s political minority and small business owners like herself. 

House Republicans last week elected Rep. Lucetta Elmer, R-McMinnville to serve as their leader after former leader Christine Drazan, R-Canby, stepped down as she seeks a Senate appointment. 

Drazan hopes to finish the remainder of  former Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham’s term as Bonham awaits confirmation for an assistant secretary role in the U.S. Department of Labor. One-term Oregon U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer leads the department.

Elmer represents the 24th House District, where she was born and raised. It includes McMinnville, Willamina, Grand Ronde, Lafayette, Sheridan, Amity, Yamhill and Carlton. 

From a young age she was interested in government, serving on student council, attending Girls State and traveling to Washington D.C. after her senior year in high school. She received an education degree from Linfield College, now called Linfield University, in McMinnville. After several years working in education, she pivoted to work alongside her husband to expand the family’s business portfolio, which includes at least seven Oregon businesses including a coffee shop, photography studio and boutique in downtown McMinnville, state records show. 

Her community involvement and experience with business inspired her to run for office in the 2022 election, when she won with 56% of the vote.

“We’re so heavily regulated, and in this state that it makes it challenging,” she said. “I believe there’s a balance to that.”

When she first took office in 2023, she recalled being inspired by Gov. Tina Kotek’s opening address, particularly around addressing Oregon’s housing shortage.

“That inspired me to want to try to find some way in which I could work with my colleagues in the building to get something done, because housing doesn’t always have to be a partisan issue,” she said. “We’re all Oregonians and we need a place to live.” 

In 2024, she successfully spearheaded legislation requiring the Oregon Business Development Department to provide grants to cities for housing developments. That law aimed to help small cities like the ones she represents build at least 585 new homes.

This won’t be Elmer’s first time in a leadership position. She was House Republicans’ deputy leader for a year. As she prepares for the next legislative session, she said her caucus plans to prioritize transparency and accountability in the state budget process.

“We know that we’re going into a tough session when it comes to the finances that will be available,” she said. “We know that there’s cuts, and we know that’s the reality, so that’s going to really weigh into things.”

Oregon House Speaker Julie Fahey, D-Eugene, welcomed Elmer in her new role.

“I welcome the opportunity to collaborate with Leader Elmer, especially in areas like supporting small businesses and addressing Oregon’s housing shortage,” Fahey said in a statement. “She and I share a commitment to building a stronger future for all Oregonians, and I look forward to our work together.”

Oregon House Majority Leader Ben Bowman, D-Tigard, congratulated Elmer for being elected to the role and also congratulated Drazan for her service as House Republican Leader.

“I know while we do not see eye-to-eye on every issue, we share a desire to improve the lives of Oregonians across our state,” he said. “I look forward to working with her to find common ground and keep the Oregon House focused on delivering for the people we represent.”

Elmer said she recognizes the political tensions in Oregon and beyond the state, and she hopes to maintain a sense of cooperation.

“The main goal really should be about Oregonians and their safety and their livability,” she said.