Rep. Dan Newhouse Survives Trump-Endorsed Primary Challenge, Faces GOP Rival in November

In the heated race for Washington’s 4th Congressional District, Republican incumbent Dan Newhouse has emerged victorious in the primary, securing his place in the November general election. However, his path to victory is far from certain as he will face fellow Republican Jerrod Sessler, who has the backing of former President Donald Trump.

A Competitive Primary

The August primary was a close race, with Sessler garnering 31% of the votes to Newhouse’s 25%. More mail-in ballots remain to be counted, but Sessler currently holds the lead.

Sessler, a former NASCAR driver and Navy veteran, has been a vocal supporter of Trump and his policies. His victory in the primary is seen as a sign of Trump’s continued influence within the Republican Party.

Newhouse, on the other hand, is one of only two House Republicans who voted to impeach Trump following the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol. His vote has made him a target of Trump’s supporters, who view him as a traitor.

Trump’s Endorsement

Trump’s endorsement of Sessler has undoubtedly boosted his campaign. Trump remains a popular figure among Republican voters, and his endorsement carries significant weight.

In a surprising move, Trump also endorsed Tiffany Smiley, another Republican candidate in the race. This dual endorsement was seen as an attempt to split the anti-Newhouse vote.

However, Sessler claims that the late timing of Trump’s endorsements had little impact on the primary outcome.

Newhouse’s Optimism

Despite facing a Trump-endorsed challenger, Newhouse remains optimistic about his chances in November. He believes he can secure a coalition of moderate Republicans and non-Trump voters.

Sessler’s Campaign

Sessler plans to focus on issues such as the economy and crime in his campaign. He will also continue to leverage his association with Trump.

The general election is expected to be a hard-fought battle. Trump has carried the district repeatedly in the past, but Newhouse has also won several terms and has a strong base of support.

The outcome of this race could have implications for the Republican Party’s future. If Sessler wins with Trump’s backing, it would signal a shift towards Trumpism within the party.

However, if Newhouse prevails, it would demonstrate that Trump’s influence is not absolute and that moderate Republicans can still find success.

The race for Washington’s 4th Congressional District is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched in the country. With the general election just months away, the outcome remains uncertain, and the stakes are high for both candidates.