On Wednesday, Rep. Dan Newhouse of Washington announced he would not seek reelection next year, a move that surprised many in his district.
The Republican representative, known for his role in the 2021 impeachment proceedings, posted the announcement on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
In the statement, Newhouse wrote, “I am announcing today that I will not seek reelection to the U.S. House of Representatives,” making the decision clear to his constituents.
He added, “Serving the Fourth District of Washington has been the honor of my life, and this decision comes with no reservations or remorse, only gratitude for the tremendous opportunity to have represented my home state in Congress,” he said.
Newhouse has served in Congress since 2015, representing the central Washington region that makes up the Fourth District.
His district encompasses central Washington.
In 2021, Newhouse gained national attention when he became one of ten House Republicans who voted to impeach President Donald Trump following the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.
The impeachment effort culminated in a Senate trial, in which Trump was acquitted, but the vote itself underscored Newhouse’s willingness to act on principle.
Despite the controversy surrounding the impeachment vote, Newhouse remained a strong candidate, winning his seat in both the 2022 and 2024 primaries.
In those primaries, he faced and defeated two challengers who were backed by Trump, demonstrating his resilience within a district that had historically supported the former president.
Washington’s unique open primary system allows the top two vote-gainers to advance to the general election, regardless of party affiliation, a factor that has shaped Newhouse’s electoral strategy.
In the 2022 primary, Newhouse secured a decisive victory, while in 2024 he again overcame a Trump-aligned opponent, cementing his position as the district’s representative.
The Fourth District’s voting history shows a strong preference for Trump, with the district voting for him by close to 21 points in the 2020 presidential election, according to The Downballot.
Newhouse’s decision to step down comes at a time when only two pro-impeachment House Republicans remain in Congress, the other being Rep. David Valadao of California.
Valadao, like Newhouse, voted to impeach Trump but has continued to serve, highlighting the rarity of pro-impeachment members in the current House.
Newhouse’s announcement marks the end of a decade of service for a representative who has consistently prioritized his district’s interests while also taking stances that diverged from the broader Republican caucus.
The statement posted on X underscores his gratitude, stating that serving his district has been an honor, and that he leaves with no reservations or remorse.
His departure will open the field for new candidates in Washington’s Fourth District, who will need to navigate the open primary system and the district’s Republican leanings.
The announcement also signals a shift in Washington’s congressional representation, as the district will soon elect a new representative in the 2024 election cycle.
As the next election approaches, voters and political observers will watch closely to see who will fill the vacancy left by Newhouse and how the district’s political dynamics will evolve.
The announcement was shared on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, on a Wednesday morning, signaling the start of the campaign season.
With his departure, the Fourth District will be the focus of a competitive primary, as candidates from both major parties will vie for the top two spots under Washington’s open primary system.
Political observers will watch closely to see how the district’s Republican lean and the legacy of Newhouse’s impeachment vote influence the selection of his successor.
Key Takeaways
- Rep. Dan Newhouse will not seek reelection to the U.S. House of Representatives.
- He was one of ten House Republicans to vote for Trump’s impeachment.
- Washington’s Fourth District leans Republican, having supported Trump by close to 21 points.
