State Rep. John Huffman resigned Saturday evening, according to a resignation letter provided by the House Republican Caucus.
Huffman, a Republican from The Dalles, told The Oregonian/OregonLive last week he would not seek re-election to pursue a Trump administration appointment to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Huffman said his chances of getting a job leading the agency's rural development office in Oregon were "very positive."
Huffman, a commercial property developer, was not immediately available for comment Thursday.
House Republican Leader Mike McLane praised Huffman's work ethic in a statement Thursday, saying Huffman is "a people first, politics second public servant who has worked tirelessly on behalf of his constituents."
Huffman has been a member of the Legislature since 2007 and served on several powerful committees. He has not served on the House agriculture committee.
Commissioners of Deschutes, Jefferson, Wasco and Wheeler counties -- the counties that intersect with Huffman's district -- now have fewer than 30 days to appoint his successor.
Huffman is the latest of several Republicans who have said they intend to leave the House.
Rep. Sal Esquivel, R-Medford, will not seek re-election. Same for Rep. Mark Johnson, R-Hood River, who has accepted a job leading Oregon's top business lobbying group. Rep. Cliff Bentz, R-Ontario, has said he will seek an appointment to a state Senate seat soon to be vacated by Senate Minority Leader Ted Ferrioli, R-John Day.
(c)2017 The Oregonian (Portland, Ore.)
