Eleven candidates, including multiple Republicans, have filed paperwork with Washington state election officials to compete in an Aug. 4 primary to help select a successor to incumbent Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.) in the state’s 4th congressional district.
The Central Washington district, with a history of supporting Republicans, includes the Department of Energy’s Hanford Site.
Newhouse, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, is one of the few remaining Republicans left in Congress who voted to impeach President Donald Trump following the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.
Individuals who have filed to run in the open primary, sometimes called a “jungle primary.”
The crowded field includes at least one Republican candidate who unsuccessfully challenged Newhouse in the past. The primary will decide which two finalists will face each other in the Nov. 3 general election.
The primary candidates are listed below by name; party, location and highlights from their website.
Jacek “Jack” Kobiesa of Pasco (Independent), would ban insider trading by elected officials.
Amanda McKinney (R) of Yakima. currently a Yakima County Commissioner;
John Duresky (D) of West Richland, describes himself as someone who logged 37 years between the Air Force and the civil service.
John Hughs (R) of Lind who says on his Facebook page, “I’m the workers candidate for Congress.”
Favian Valencia (I) of Yakima, who describes himself as a civil rights attorney and business owner.
Jerrod Sessler (R) of Prosser, who is a Navy veteran, businessman and former NASCAR racer who unsuccessfully challenged Newhouse in the past.
Devin Poore (Cascade Party) of Malaga who promises to fight “decades of deepening corruption” in the political system.
Ken Vaz (R), whose mailing address is listed in Seattle and who dubs himself libertarian leaning.
Zac Rossi (I) of West Richland is running to call attention to the national debt and says “do not waste your vote on me.”
Elpidia Saavedra (R) of Toppenish who bases her campaign on affordability.
Matt Boehnke (R) of Kennewick describes himself as an Army combat veteran and cybersecurity expert.