Rep. Dan Newhouse, a Republican representing Washington, announced on Wednesday that he will not seek re-election next year, marking the end of his tenure in Congress. In a statement shared on his X account, Newhouse expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve his state and looked forward to new personal and professional endeavors. He thanked his family for their unwavering support throughout his time in office.
Newhouse, who has represented his district since 2014, is notable for being one of the few Republicans who voted to impeach former President Donald Trump in 2021, alongside Rep. David Valadao of California. The impeachment was largely a response to Trump’s handling of the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, which Newhouse condemned, stating Trump had failed to act decisively in a time of crisis.
The Republican landscape in Newhouse’s district appears stable despite his departure. Trump had a significant victory in the district, winning by 21 percentage points in 2024, and the Cook Political Report classifies the seat as “Solid Republican.” Newhouse managed to secure his position last year, winning a close election against Trump-backed candidate Jerrod Sessler, who is expected to run again in the upcoming 2026 primary.
Sessler, a businessman and former NASCAR driver, has a controversial stance on the events of January 6, openly defending those who participated in the Capitol riots and promoting unverified claims related to the 2020 election. As the GOP prepares for the next election cycle, the dynamics within the party continue to evolve, especially with candidates like Sessler challenging traditional Republican values.
In the Senate, a similar trend is visible, with only a handful of Republican senators who voted to convict Trump remaining in office, including Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, and Bill Cassidy. Cassidy now faces a challenging primary election, with significant pushback from other GOP candidates who oppose his impeachment vote.
Overall, Newhouse’s decision to retire signals a significant moment in the political landscape, highlighting the impact of Trump’s previous term on Republican representatives. As the 2026 elections approach, both local and national Republican dynamics remain a focal point for political observers.