Washington state’s primary elections are heating up, with U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse at the center of it all. He stands as one of the few Republicans who voted to impeach former President Donald Trump and is now facing fierce competition.
Newhouse is up against two Trump-endorsed candidates: Jerrod Sessler, a Navy veteran, and Tiffany Smiley, a former nurse who previously ran against U.S. Senator Patty Murray.
4th Congressional District
As he seeks a sixth term, Newhouse is contending not only with tough rivals but also with the controversy surrounding his impeachment vote. His challengers believe that his decision could cost him votes. While Trump had endorsed Sessler months ago, his last-minute support for Smiley adds a twist to the race.
Despite the challenges, analysts suggest that Newhouse’s previous supporters may remain loyal. He has avoided major Trump controversies, focusing instead on pressing issues like agriculture and border security, both critical to this district.
Governor’s Race
The governor’s race in Washington is also stirring interest after over a decade without an open contest. Key candidates include Democrat Bob Ferguson, the long-serving attorney general, and Republican ex-Representative Dave Reichert, a former sheriff known for his work on high-profile investigations.
The campaign has heated up, with Ferguson criticizing Reichert for inconsistency between his public persona and past actions, while Reichert accuses Ferguson of perpetuating the state’s “one-party rule.” Despite the competitive landscape, Republicans face significant challenges given the state’s recent voting history.
3rd Congressional District
In the 3rd Congressional District, Trump-backed Joe Kent is eager for a rematch against Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, who took the seat from him two years ago. She secured her victory partly due to her impeachment vote against Trump.
As Kent seeks to reclaim his position, he faces competition from Leslie Lewallen, a former prosecutor gaining traction among conservatives. Analysts foresee a tight general election fight, especially given Gluesenkamp Perez’s reputation for bipartisanship.
8th Congressional District
Lastly, in the 8th Congressional District, Democrat Kim Schrier’s campaign is facing scrutiny over her stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict. Imraan Siddiqi, leading a platform focused on Gaza, has gained momentum, positioning Schrier as a moderate choice highlighting her past bipartisan support.
Schrier, a pediatrician, emphasizes her legislative accomplishments while trying to pivot the conversation away from current conflicts. With Republican candidate Carmen Goers focusing on issues like inflation and crime, this race promises to be closely contested come November.