WA Rep Dan Newhouse Says ‘No Remorse,’ Won’t Seek Re-Election

Representative Dan Newhouse says "there are now qualified and serious people" who he thinks will run in 2026 for his current 4th-District congressional seat. He says he aims to "pass the torch" to a "a strong, capable leader."

Earlier this month, Rep. Newhouse joined the Washington State delegation to ask for emergency FEMA funding relief. In his latest press release, he says that despite not running for re-election in 2026, "I will continue to serve my district with energy and enthusiasm until the end of my term." (His term will officially end on January 3, 2027.)

What does this mean for the 2026 election year in the Yakima Valley and Southwestern regions of the state that he represents?

Expect the 2026 Election Season to Be Saucy

In 2026, Washington's 4th Congressional District will have a non-partisan primary election first, with the top 2 candidates moving forward to the general election.

With Newhouse finally giving up his seat in Congress, and even though the district has historically leaned heavily Republican, 2026 election races will present a major opportunity for politically minded residents of all party affiliations to run for office in a neck and neck competitive race. It can be anyone's gain.

fresh new ideas and a slate of new candidates to enter into the campaign ring.

So far, these three candidates have publicly expressed interest in running for the primary on August 4, 2026:

John Duresky (D)
Jerrod Sessler (R)
Wesley Meier (R)

The general election will be on November 3, 2026.

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Key Campaign Issues Identified for WA's 4th Congressional District

No matter who wins the general election on November 3, 2026, they will have to show up for the entire population in the district. Right now, many residents are still reeling from the extreme weather disaster we got at the beginning of December.

Constituents are most concerned with identified key campaign issues, including daily affordability, the alarming impact of Homeland Security's recent immigration raids, rural access to internet services, dwindling healthcare facility access, rebuilding and repairs to infrastructure, public safety, water rights, supporting the Hanford nuclear facility, economic development, and the impacts of the Trump tariffs that are affecting our area farmers and ranchers.

WA State Rep Dan Newhouse Will Not Seek Re-Election. Photo Credit: Pete Marovich/Getty Images

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