Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-Happy Valley), recently announced her senior staff, hiring several experienced professionals to work on behalf of Oregonians in the Fifth Congressional District.
Chavez-DeRemer was officially sworn in following House Republicans’ election of Kevin McCarthy as Speaker of the House on Jan. 7.
Chavez-DeRemer won the May 2022 Republican primary for Oregon’s 5th congressional district, then beat Democrat Jamie McLeod-Skinner in the November election to represent the district, which had been represented for seven terms by moderate Democrat Kurt Schrader. Schrader lost in the primary to McLeod-Skinner.
Linn County was moved from the Fourth District, formerly represented by Peter DeFazio, to the Fifth as a result of significantly redistricting last year due to Oregon gaining an additional House seat. The district includes Linn County, most of Clackamas and Deschutes counties, and parts of Multnomah and Marion counties.
“To serve the Fifth District effectively, I knew it was critical to assemble an excellent team with the skills and experience necessary to hit the ground running,” Chavez-DeRemer said. “We have a lot of work to do, and that’s why I’m thrilled to announce this team of talented individuals who will work tirelessly with me to deliver for Oregonians.”
Her staff will include:
Jihun Han, Chief of Staff
Han served as Chavez-DeRemer’s campaign manager prior to being named chief of staff. He has extensive experience working in local, state, and national politics, serving as campaign manager and chief of staff for state House candidates and members. He also previously worked in political affairs for the Oregon Association of Realtors and Evergreen Oregon PAC.
Marcus Brubaker, Deputy Chief of Staff/Legislative Director
Brubaker has more than 13 years of experience on Capitol Hill, serving as chief of staff for Rep. Bill Posey (FL-08) and district director for Rep. Doug Lamborn (CO-05) before stints in education and philanthropic advising. Brubaker will manage Chavez-DeRemer’s legislative efforts and assist in running the Washington, D.C. office.
Rebecca Wright, District Director
Wright recently served as the deputy campaign manager for the Christine Drazan for Oregon gubernatorial campaign and was on senior staff for the Oregon House Republican Caucus under that House Republican Leader. She also oversaw all House District 39 constituent services. The Fifth District resident will oversee and run the district operation in-state.
Peyton Smith, Scheduler/Director of Operations
Smith served as an intern for Rep. Lance Gooden (TX-05) and worked her way up to scheduler, where she spent two years prior to being hired by Chavez-DeRemer. She will handle scheduling inquiries and manage the member’s official schedule.
Aaron Britt, Communications Director
Britt most recently served as press secretary for Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa). Before that, he was communications director for Rep. Randy Feenstra (IA-04) and for the Republican Party of Iowa. He will oversee the communications department and work with in-district, statewide and national media.
Chavez-DeRemer’s district headquarters will be located in Oregon City. Additional offices will be announced in the coming weeks.
A longtime resident of Happy Valley, Chavez-DeRemer has spent two decades in local public service. She first became a member of the Happy Valley Parks Committee in 2002 and went on to serve as city council president and then as mayor. She and her husband of 31 years, Dr. Shawn DeRemer, have two twin daughters, Annie and Emilie, and operate several Pacific Northwest medical clinics.
“I want to thank Oregonians in the Fifth District for placing your trust in me to represent you in the halls of Congress,” she said.
“I’ll work tirelessly to ensure you have a seat at the policymaking tables in D.C., especially when decisions are being made that will impact your families, schools, businesses, and livelihoods.
“I look forward to working with my colleagues – on both sides of the aisle – to find common ground so we can build a booming economy, improve public safety, support our rural communities, expand educational opportunities, and much more.
“Instead of tossing solutions to the side in the name of partisan politics, I’m confident that we can rise above the gridlock. I’ll work with anyone who’s interested in delivering results that benefit Oregonians and all Americans.
“I’d also like to thank my husband and daughters for their continuous support. Guided by family and faith, it is my solemn promise to Oregonians that I will carry out my constitutional duties with authenticity, integrity, and transparency.”