Washington 4th District Primary Chooses New House Candidate

Voters in Washington’s 4th congressional district will cast ballots in the Aug. 4 primary for the open House seat left vacant by Rep. Dan Newhouse, who is not seeking reelection. Six Republicans, one Democrat and two independents are competing. Yakima County Commissioner Amanda McKinley leads fundraising with more than $215,000 and has endorsements from former President Donald Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson. Candidates such as Republican Jarrod Sessler and Ken Vaz criticize Newhouse for lacking federal investment in the region and call for breaking up omnibus spending bills.

The primary also includes contests for two state representative seats, five state Supreme Court positions, and a library levy. Local organizers urge voters, noting that only about 29 % of eligible Island County voters turned out in the previous primary, to participate so that the elected officials can address issues ranging from immigration enforcement to the “millionaire’s tax” and other state policy matters.