The MAGA movement, which has significantly altered the Republican National Committee (RNC) and the U.S. House of Representatives, is now making waves in Washington and Oregon. What implications does this hold for the GOP and for those who value democratic principles?
In a recent blog, we discussed the Washington State GOP's shift towards MAGA, abandoning traditional Republican values. The Washington GOP has adopted an aggressive stance that seems to undermine constitutional democracy.
A similar scenario is unfolding in Oregon, where members of an anti-government group founded by far-right militia figure Ammon Bundy are running for Precinct Committee Officers (PCOs). Although PCO is an entry-level position, its importance cannot be overstated. PCOs organize and mobilize voters, significantly impacting campaigns and candidate success. They also vote for party leadership at local and state levels, wielding considerable influence. Surprisingly, Republicans have not attempted to infiltrate the Democratic Party by running for Democratic PCO positions, despite the ethical and legal gray areas.
In Washington, the GOP and local organizations have embraced MAGA candidates, ignoring traditional Republican frontrunners. Notably, they have endorsed Semi Bird over Dave Reichert and Jerrod Sessler over Dan Newhouse or Tiffany Smiley, who have access to significant financial support. Local chambers of commerce, like the Greater Yakima Chamber of Commerce, have shown biased support for MAGA candidates, and similar actions are expected from other local organizations.
For non-MAGA voters, three critical races in Congressional Districts 3, 4, and 5 are upcoming.
In District 3, Maria Perez faces Joe Kent and Leslie Lewallen. With solid financial backing and a stable base, Perez is well-positioned to succeed.
District 4 promises to be the most contentious and one of the most expensive races in Washington State history. Incumbent Dan Newhouse, who previously raised seven million dollars effortlessly, will likely have substantial financial backing. Tiffany Smiley, who raised twenty million in her Senate run, is expected to gather significant funds again. Meanwhile, like Loren Culp before him, Jerrod Sessler faces financial struggles even with Trump’s and the Washington State GOP endorsements. Sessler is starting about four hundred thousand dollars in debt. With around twenty-three million Republican dollars in play, progressives and moderates face a tough battle. A MAGA candidate victory could drive more Democrats to support Newhouse, potentially reducing the Democratic vote from 32-34% to 28-30%, but still enough for a Democrat to advance past the primary.
In District 5, the race presents a significant opportunity following Cathy McMorris Rodgers' exit as outlined in a recent blog post. While there are uncertainties regarding the candidates' ability to engage the media, raise funds, and build strong campaigns, there is a clear path to victory. Close monitoring of FEC filings will reveal who is putting in the necessary work.
In summary, the MAGA influence in Washington and Oregon is reshaping the GOP and presenting new challenges for democratic values. The upcoming races in Congressional Districts 3, 4, and 5 will be pivotal in determining the future political landscape.
