The May 21 primary is upon us, and to ensure you’re as informed as possible before filling out your ballots, The Post reached out to House District 52 candidates – Rep. Jeff Helfrich (R-Hood River) and Nick Walden Poublon (D-Sandy) to talk about their priorities, stances on issues facing the district and the state and what better qualifies them to represent the district than their opponent.
In this race, there is only one candidate per party running.
House District 52 is comprised of the Columbia Gorge communities in Hood River and Wasco Counties as well as parts of unincorporated Clackamas County like rural Sandy, Welches, Rhododendron, Zigzag and Government Camp.
Helfrich was appointed as representative for House District 52 after Mark Johnson’s resignation in 2017, and he served until unseated by former Rep. Anna Williams in 2018. Helfrich then reclaimed the seat in 2022 and has served since.
Before entering legislative office, Helfrich was a longtime public servant, serving on the Cascade Locks Planning Commission and City Council, the Mid-Columbia Economic Development District Board, in the Air Force during the Gulf War and as a Portland police sergeant.
Walden Poublon was among the three Democratic applicants for appointment to former Rep. Anna Williams’, D-Hood River, seat when she resigned early in 2022. He received a handful of votes in the appointment process, and while he didn’t take the seat, he also received the opportunity to work for appointed Rep. Lori Kuechler while she served the district in its time of pre-redistricting transition.
Walden Poublon is a lifelong Oregonian and has lived in Sandy for 15 years. Previously he has worked at Portland State in student affairs and as a student health advisor. He’s also worked in the nonprofit sector, directing drug and alcohol prevention programs for youth, before he was legislative assistant to former Rep. Lori Kuechler, D-Sandy. He is currently the president of the Oregon Trail Democrats, vice chair of the Democratic Party of Clackamas County, and he also serves on the state Democratic Party’s DEI committee.
What follows is part two of three of a candidate Q&A between Helfrich and Walden Poublon and The Sandy Post.
THE SANDY POST: What do you think is required for Democrats and Republicans to find compromise in the Legislature?
REP. JEFF HELFRICH: To seek public office, whether you are a Democrat or a Republican, shows that you have an extraordinary desire to make Oregon a better place. When we recognize this mutual purpose in each other, we can achieve bipartisan wins that move our state forward. As House Republican Leader I was instrumental in uniting our caucus in the common goals of solving the drug crisis, passing a housing package, and passing Oregon’s most stringent set of campaign finance laws to keep dark money out of politics. Many of these bills were bipartisan efforts and I am proud to have a legislative track record of collaboration.
NICK WALDEN POUBLON: Achieving compromise requires a commitment to dialogue, collaboration, and a genuine desire to put the needs of our constituents above partisan politics. In our district, where rural and urban communities intersect, we must recognize and respect the diversity of perspectives and priorities. As a Democrat, I believe in the values of equity, and progress. But I also understand the importance of listening and understanding the concerns of everyone, regardless of political affiliation. That said, compromise cannot come at the expense of fundamental rights, like access to reproductive care. To foster compromise, Democrats and Republicans must be willing to engage in constructive dialogue, seek common ground, and be open to innovative solutions. We must prioritize the greater good over partisan gamesmanship and work together to find win-win solutions that benefit all Oregonians.
POST: What do you anticipate being the big topic of the next session?
HELFRICH: Oregon needs to get back to basics because the march toward the far left is driving away people and businesses because they do not feel safe, and things are too expensive. That’s not sustainable. The legislature needs to be laser focused on public safety, creating opportunities for businesses to succeed and hire workers, and solving homelessness and lowering housing costs. The people of our state want their government to focus on the things that matter most, not what looks good to the most extreme elements of either party.
WALDEN POUBLON: The need for affordable housing continues to grow and we need to do more to meet this moment. Our governor has rightfully prioritized addressing the affordable housing crisis, recognizing its far-reaching impacts on individuals, families, and communities across our state.
With housing affordability remaining a critical issue for many Oregonians, I expect robust discussions, creative opportunities, and legislative initiatives aimed at expanding access to affordable housing and addressing homelessness. I foresee efforts to implement policies that promote equitable development, prevent displacement, and ensure housing stability for vulnerable populations.
POST: What do you consider your greatest political/legislative accomplishment thus far?
HELFRICH: Fixing measure 110 was by far my greatest accomplishment. People in this state are suffering because of our drug crisis. The legislature needed to act, and I worked tirelessly to find consensus that gave law enforcement the tools to keep our communities safe while also expanding the care options available to those suffering from addiction.
WALDEN POUBLON: My personal health crisis during my young adulthood profoundly influenced my journey into activism and shaped my understanding of the real challenges faced by communities. While pursuing my graduate studies, I was diagnosed with a tumor at the base of my brain, which not only presented a daunting personal challenge but also exposed the inadequacies of the off-the-shelf school insurance.
Upon discovering that the existing health plan fell short of meeting my needs and those of my fellow students, I took it upon myself to initiate change. Through advocacy and determination, I spearheaded efforts to overhaul the health plan, ultimately ensuring better coverage for all students at the university without any wait time. This experience taught me firsthand the importance of accessible and comprehensive healthcare and reinforced my belief in the power of individual action to effect meaningful change for the collective.
Following my graduation, I was privileged to be offered a position as the Student Health Advocate at PSU, where I dedicated 15 years to advocating for the health and well-being of students. Thanks to my advocacy and the support of my community, I am now healthy and eager to continue serving and making a positive impact.
POST: What has been the greatest challenge you’ve faced in your political career?
HELFRICH: The fight that we fought in order to make sure that we found bipartisan solutions to our housing and public safety crisis was truly one of the most challenging and rewarding things I have ever been a part of. It isn’t always easy when people are coming at things from different sides, but if we are able to put our heads together and work hard for Oregonians, we can find common sense solutions.
WALDEN POUBLON: One of the greatest challenges I’ve faced has been navigating the complexities of advocating for policies and initiatives in a political landscape where opposition forces often prioritize partisan agendas over the needs of our communities. I have encountered resistance from entrenched interests and faced obstacles in advancing key priorities such as healthcare access, reproductive rights, and equitable economic policies.
As a candidate running in a district with diverse political leanings, I work tirelessly to bridge ideological divides and build consensus among constituents with varying perspectives and priorities. As a result, I can engage in meaningful conversations, listen to differing viewpoints, and find common ground on issues that affect us all.
I remain committed to championing values and policies that promote justice, equality, and opportunity for all residents of our district. I believe that by staying true to our principles and working collaboratively with stakeholders, we can overcome obstacles and create positive change that benefits our entire community.
POST: For incumbents/those who’ve served before: Is there anything you’d do differently if re-elected?
HELFRICH: There are always opportunities for reflection and there are a few things I would have approached differently but overall; I am really happy with how I emphasized a bipartisan approach and I think we have had some really productive sessions as of recently.
WALDEN POUBLON: N/A
POST: What are your top three priorities if elected/re-elected?
HELFRICH: My top three priorities are to continue to address the following: housing affordability, crime and public safety, and addiction and the drug crisis.
WALDEN POUBLON: 1) Affordable Housing: Safe and affordable housing is out of reach for too many Oregonians. I support Governor Kotek’s housing funding proposal which includes funds for low and medium-income housing as well as money available to help keep people in their current housing.
2) Healthcare for All: I would work to support legislation that removes the middleman who often profits unnecessarily from the healthcare system in this country. As a former healthcare advocate at Portland State University, I have worked directly with OHP and other state health providers. I would advocate for the expansion of Medicare to better cover those who most need health care.
3) Protecting the Environment: One thing I hear frequently is concern about the Urban Growth Boundary and making sure that we do not unnecessarily expand urban growth. I would work to maintain the character and community of our small towns. I believe in responsible development practices that balance environmental conservation with meeting the growing demand for affordable housing. I believe that promoting high-density housing within existing urban areas is a key strategy to achieve this balance. We can maximize land use efficiency, by encouraging infill development and transit-oriented design. I look forward to working with housing organizations/nonprofits to promote policies that foster quality rental housing while respecting Oregon's environmental values and growth management principles.
Part three will cover what the candidates perceive as the largest issues facing the communities of their district.
To read part one, click here .
To read part three, click here .
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