He’s setting things straight.
Trump reiterated his endorsement for Jerrod Sessler in Washington’s 4th Congressional District race, calling him a “fantastic candidate” and saying he would be an outstanding congressman. Trump criticized incumbent Republican Dan Newhouse, labeling him a “weak and pathetic RINO” and referencing Newhouse’s vote to impeach him, a decision Trump said was without justification.
Jerrod Sessler, a Navy veteran, is backed not only by Trump but also by the conservative House Freedom Caucus. He is running against Newhouse, who is seeking a sixth term in what the Cook Political Report deems Washington’s most conservative district. In the state’s nonpartisan primary system, Sessler led Newhouse, with both advancing to the general election as the top two vote-getters.
Newhouse recently told the Yakima Herald-Republic that he does not think his impeachment vote would hinder him from working with Trump if the former president is re-elected. He noted his history of effective collaboration with Trump’s first administration and expressed confidence in doing so again, despite recognizing the impeachment as a “significant issue” in the race.
In 2022, Newhouse secured re-election with a strong 68% majority over his Democratic opponent. His campaign has not commented on the recent endorsement developments, though Trump initially endorsed both Sessler and Republican Tiffany Smiley in the primary, aiming to unseat Newhouse. While Sessler advanced, Smiley did not make it past the primary.
