America needs a MAGA controlled congress.
Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) faces a new contender in the GOP primary as Tiffany Smiley, a former Senate candidate, steps into the ring, aiming to challenge one of the few pro-impeachment House Republicans remaining in 2024.
Newhouse, one of just two Republicans in the House who voted to impeach former President Donald Trump, now confronts Smiley’s entry into the race. Despite his previous success in overcoming primary challenges in 2022 under Washington state’s jungle primary system, Smiley’s candidacy poses a potential threat to his reelection bid. Smiley, known for her moderate Republican stance and her competitive run against Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) in the past, brings a fresh perspective and a call for new leadership to the table.
In her announcement, Smiley emphasized the need for change, citing pressing issues such as border security, domestic unrest, economic struggles facing families, and global instability. Drawing on her background in veterans advocacy, particularly following her husband’s debilitating injury in Iraq, Smiley positions herself as a candidate ready to deliver tangible change from within Congress.
Her previous electoral experience against Murray showcased her willingness to transcend political labels and seek common ground, focusing more on leadership deficiencies than strictly partisan agendas. Despite her loss, Smiley’s commitment to Republican causes remained evident through her establishment of the Endeavor PAC, supporting GOP candidates across the nation in the 2024 congressional races.
Smiley’s approach in challenging Newhouse may differ from her Senate campaign strategy, given the distinct political landscape of Washington’s 4th District. While her moderate stance resonated in a blue state, her opposition to Newhouse’s impeachment vote could rally support within the solidly red district. Leveraging Trump’s endorsement of another primary contender, Jerrod Sessler, Smiley aims to capitalize on dissatisfaction with Newhouse’s divergence from Trump’s policies.
However, Smiley faces hurdles in a crowded primary field, with Sessler’s longstanding presence potentially dividing the Republican vote. Despite this, Smiley remains resolute, dismissing Sessler as a perennial candidate with minimal chances of success. As the primary unfolds, the race between Newhouse and Smiley promises to be a battleground where the balance between party loyalty and voter sentiment will shape the outcome.