When one of the two Republicans who voted to impeach President Trump in 2021, Washington Rep.Dan Newhouse, announced his retirement, it opened up a rare electoral opportunity for Republicans in a deeply blue state.
But it also raised questions about the party's conventional wisdom about elections when it comes to the kind of conservative candidate who can take his place.Washington's 4th Congressional District is its most conservative.Trump handily won in 2024 and the Cook Political Report rates the district as solidly Republican.
Even with a big Trump win in 2024, Newhouse managed to hold onto his seat.He faced Trump-endorsed primary challengers in both of the past two elections.Without Newhouse on the ballot, it's a crowded race to find his replacement and a case study in just what Republican voters — who previously picked someone who impeached the president — will do now that the field is open.Republicans in Yakima, one of the district's only cities, are encouraged by the opportunity."This district has an opportunity to elect some of the most conservative candidates we've had," said Matt Brown, mayor of Yakima and chair of the Yakima County Republicans.The shape of the race mirrors other Republican primaries throughout the nation.
The top three candidates exemplify three distinct arms of the Republican Party.Yakima County Commissioner Amanda McKinney has been endorsed by Trump.
Jerrod Sessler, a businessman and former candidate, is positioning himself as the anti-establishment outsider.Republican state Sen.
Matt Boehnke is more moderate, in the same style as Newhouse.The decision voters make on Aug.4 will signal which direction they want the Republican Party to head in a district that is rural, conservative, heavily dependent on agriculture and energy production and that is more than 40% Latino.
In Washington's primary system, the top two candidates, regardless of party affiliation, will advance to the general election.John Duresky, an Air Force veteran ...