Jerry Krummel

The sudden early retirement of state Rep. Jerry Krummel (R-Wilsonville) gave Republican House District 26 candidate Matt Wingard an edge in the November election, but he still faces a tough road ahead.

House District 26 candidate Matt Wingard (R-Wilsonville) became a full House member Tuesday when he was appointed to fill the seat of retiring Rep. Jerry Krummel (R-Wilsonville).

State Rep. Jerry Krummel (R-Wilsonville)State Rep. Jerry Krummel (R-Wilsonville) is stepping down from his seat, effective August 1.

It will be up to the Republicans to replace Krummel represents District 26, and Nick Smith, spokesman for GOP house leader Bruce Hanna said that they will be backing the Republican nominee for the November election, Matt Wingard, to take his place.

“We are supporting Matt because he is the Republican nominee,” Smith said.

It looks like the solid Republican Dist. 26 House seat, which is currently held by retiring State Rep. Jerry Krummel, could potentially shift party control after an unpleasant revelation.

The Willamette Week is reporting that Matt Wingard, a young TV reporter and GOP up-and-comer who’s seeking the seat, has admitted to pleading guilty to hitting his son back in 2001, who was seven years old at the time.