Donald Trump has escalated his efforts to influence the Washington state congressional race by endorsing two Republican candidates in a bid to oust Rep. Dan Newhouse. The former president’s endorsements, announced on Truth Social, highlight his continued commitment to shaping GOP primaries and targeting Republicans who crossed him during his presidency.
Trump’s Dual Endorsements
Support for Tiffany Smiley and Jerrod Sessler
Late Saturday, Trump endorsed both Tiffany Smiley and Jerrod Sessler for the 4th District congressional race in Washington. Trump praised Smiley, a nurse and 2022 Senate candidate, as a “tremendous America First Candidate.” He reiterated his support for Sessler, a former NASCAR driver and Navy veteran, who he first endorsed in April. Trump declared that both candidates have his “complete and total endorsement.”
Criticism of Dan Newhouse
Trump’s endorsements are part of a broader strategy to remove Rep. Dan Newhouse from office. Trump lambasted Newhouse as a “weak and pathetic RINO” for his vote to impeach Trump following the January 6 Capitol riots. Trump’s ire is directed at Newhouse, one of the ten Republicans who voted for impeachment in 2021. As one of only two remaining GOP impeachers in the House, Newhouse faces significant pressure from Trump and his allies.
Background on the Candidates and Race
Newhouse’s Impeachment Vote and Primary Challenges
Dan Newhouse, who has represented Washington’s 4th District since 2014, was one of the few Republicans to vote for Trump’s impeachment. His vote, along with those of other GOP members who supported impeachment, led to their political downfall in subsequent elections. Notably, representatives like Liz Cheney and Jaime Herrera Beutler, who also voted to impeach, lost their seats in the 2022 primaries.
In the 2022 primary, Newhouse narrowly advanced past Democrat Doug White and Republican Loren Culp, with Sessler finishing in fourth place. Newhouse went on to secure a decisive victory over White in the general election. The state’s all-party primary system, where the top two candidates advance regardless of party affiliation, will again play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the current race.
Candidates’ Profiles
Tiffany Smiley, who previously challenged Sen. Patty Murray in 2022, is positioning herself as a key player in the GOP’s effort to reclaim Washington’s 4th District. Jerrod Sessler’s background as a NASCAR driver and veteran has garnered him support from Trump and other Republican voters.
Upcoming Primary and Election Implications
Importance of the Primary
Washington state’s primary, scheduled for Tuesday, is pivotal for determining which candidates will advance to the general election. Trump’s dual endorsements reflect his strategy to consolidate support behind candidates who align with his vision for the Republican Party and challenge incumbents who diverge from his policies.
Trump’s intervention in this race underscores his continued influence within the GOP and his commitment to reshaping the party by endorsing candidates who support his agenda.
COMMENTS