Grand Junction -- State Representative Yeulin Willett announced he will not seek re-election to House District 54, but will serve out his term, ending in January 2019. Concurrently, Matt Soper announced his candidacy to run for Willett’s House seat.

“This past summer I expressed to the party the possibility I would not seek re-election. I have confidence in Matt Soper, and look forward to seeing him elected to represent the people of House District 54,” stated Rep. Yeulin Willett.

Matt Soper, a fourth generation Coloradoan, grew-up in Delta and earned his way through Colorado Mesa University by hand-picking Olathe Sweet Corn. During his time at CMU, Soper served two terms as student trustee and earned the coveted Wayne Aspinall Award. He later earned graduate degrees from the University of Edinburgh and the University of New Hampshire. Soper served seven years on the Delta County Museum’s board of trustees, as well as chairman of the City of Delta’s Historic Preservation Board, and as an Orchard City trustee. In 2016, Soper was appointed, as a Republican, to the 7th Judicial Nominating Commission. He volunteers at the Abraham Connection homeless shelter, is a youth mentor, and is active in his church. Soper is a professional researcher and writer, serving clients in the private sector, with areas of expertise in law and history.

“I look forward to continuing the good work of Rep. Willett, as well as focusing on the basics of protecting our water, getting our roads fixed, and keeping a lid on spending,” said Matt Soper, candidate for House District 54.

Rep. Yeulin Willett is looking forward to spending more time with his wife and family and less time on the road to and from Denver, and focusing on civil dispute resolution and addressing local issues important to Mesa County. Willett was first elected in 2014 and re-elected in 2016. He has won numerous awards as a legislator, including ones from the Colorado Sheriff’s Association, the Colorado Non-Profit Association, the Colorado Civil Justice League, the University of Colorado, and Americans for Prosperity, among others.

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CONTACT:

Rep. Yeulin Willett - yeulin@wegscar.com

Matt Soper – electmattsoper@gmail.com