Meet the Staff

Chief of Staff

Jason Helland

Jason Helland is the Chief of Staff for the Colorado Senate Republicans. Previously, Jason served as Policy Director, a position he held since 2017. He is a member of his church’s council, the Colorado Bar, and he volunteers for the Metro Volunteer Lawyers program with the Denver Bar Association. He is an avid hockey fan who loves any opportunity to talk about last night’s games or trade rumors. A Dakota native (North Dakota born, South Dakota raised), he now lives in Denver with his wife where the two can frequently be found reading or walking around Wash Park.

Communications Director

Joshua Bly

A fourth generation Colorado native, Joshua was born in Denver and raised in Weld County. He has been with the Senate Minority Office since 2021, having previously interned in the Statehouse and with the state Republican Party. He is a graduate of the University of Colorado Boulder where he studied Political Science and business. Joshua also serves as a regional director of NCSL’s Legislative Information & Communciations Staff Association.

Policy Director

Taylor Boyer

Taylor Boyer currently serves as the Policy Director for the Colorado Senate Republicans – his sixth session with the caucus. Taylor lives in the Denver Metro Area with his wife and son. Before serving with the caucus, Taylor lived abroad for two years in Jamaica as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Taylor represents the Colorado State Senate as the 2nd Vice Chair of the executive committee of the Leadership Staff Professional Association, a position he was elected to this year. Taylor has previously held positions as a deputy policy director, legal assistant, communications assistant, and legislative analyst.

Deputy Communications Director

Hayden Rastall

Hayden Rastall serves as the Deputy Communications Director for the Senate Republicans. He was raised in the DU area, attended Denver East High School, and pursued a major in Communications and a minor in Leadership at the University of Colorado Boulder. In his free time, Hayden enjoys spending time outdoors, volunteering at church, and working out.

Budget Analyst

Colin Mullins

Colin Mullins serves as the Budget Analyst for the Senate Republicans. Colin is originally from Michigan, but has been in Colorado since 2019 when he began studying at the University of Colorado. After graduating from CU in 2023, Colin worked as the Legislative Analyst for the Senate Republicans before taking on his current role.

Office Director & Executive Assistant to the Minority Leader

Jerry Wheeler

Jerry Wheeler is currently our Minority Office Director. He also serves as the Executive Assistant to the Minority Leader. He brings to our staff his experience of 24 years as a Legislative Aide to over a dozen legislators. He roots for the Rockies and is a major movie fan. A Denver resident, he is active in the Denver GOP and has been a volunteer, a district captain, and a candidate.

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