Ex-GOP Senate candidate challenges House Republican who voted to impeach Trump
Former GOP Senate candidate Tiffany Smiley has recently made a pivotal decision – she is officially launching her campaign to unseat central Washington Rep. Dan Newhouse. Newhouse is one of the ten House Republicans who dared to vote for the impeachment of former President Donald Trump, and Smiley is ready to challenge him.
After spending nearly twenty years working tirelessly to bring about change from the outside, Smiley has set her sights on a new mission – to continue her work from within Congress. In a video released on X, she passionately declared her intentions, stating, “So I’m running.”
Smiley’s previous foray into politics saw her challenging Democratic Senator Patty Murray for her seat in 2022. Although early polls hinted at a close race, Smiley ultimately lost by a margin of approximately 15 points.
Currently, only two House Republicans remain in Congress who stood by their vote to impeach the former president – Newhouse and California Rep. David Valadao. The other eight either fell in primaries or chose not to seek reelection.
Newhouse’s successful retention of his seat in 2022 can be attributed to the generous number of candidates in the primary race and the state’s unique top-two nonpartisan primary system. Washington voters enjoy the freedom to support any candidate during the primary, with the top two vote-getters advancing to the general election, irrespective of party affiliation.
Newhouse’s campaign wasted no time in responding to Smiley’s candidacy, emphasizing the vital issues at stake in Central Washington. With concerns ranging from dam safety, border security, and the affordability crisis faced by working families, the campaign highlighted the importance of retaining strong representation in Congress.
Financial management also became a talking point, with details emerging from federal election data regarding Smiley’s 2022 Senate campaign. The figures show that she raised a significant sum of nearly $21 million, spent close to $19 million, and currently carries a debt of $462,000 from the previous campaign.
In a strategic move, Smiley entered the race well ahead of the primary scheduled for August 6, and her announcement came nearly a month after former President Donald Trump threw his support behind former NASCAR driver Jerrod Sessler.
In a rousing endorsement on Truth Social, Trump hailed Sessler as a formidable candidate, poised to make a remarkable Congressman for Washington State’s 4th Congressional District. Drawing a sharp contrast, Trump dismissed Newhouse as a “weak and pathetic RINO” who impeached him “for no reason.”
While Sessler enjoys the backing of the former president, his fundraising efforts pale in comparison to the incumbent. Financial disclosures show that Sessler’s campaign struggled to raise funds, bringing in less than $11,000 in the first quarter of 2024, while Newhouse amassed over $244,000 during the same period.
Despite her relative newcomer status in politics, Smiley has proven herself to be a formidable fundraiser, showcasing her ability to secure substantial financial support during her 2022 Senate campaign. Additionally, her unwavering support of Trump’s agenda has garnered attention, with Smiley criticizing Newhouse for his impeachment vote.
Expressing her disapproval, Smiley told the National Review, “That’s not a vote that represents the voters of the Fourth District.” With her strong fundraising track record and alignment with Trump’s policies, Smiley’s entry into the race promises an intriguing battle for the 4th Congressional District of Washington.
