Rep. Dan Newhouse announced Wednesday he will not seek reelection in 2026 after spending over a decade in the House.
The Washington Republican said in a statement that “this decision comes with no reservations or remorse, only gratitude for the tremendous opportunity to have represented my home state in Congress.”
He added, “After over 25 years of public service, including more than a decade in the House, I am grateful to the Washingtonians who put their faith in me, as well as the colleagues I have served with on both sides of the aisle.”
He joins more than 40 House members to announce plans to leave Congress next year.
The 70-year-old congressman represents a safe red seat, and although he did not name a successor, he remains positive about potential candidates.
“Public service takes many forms. As I look forward to this new chapter and ways I can continue to serve my community and this great Nation, I do so with confidence that there are now qualified and serious people expressing interest in this office,” Mr. Newhouse said. “Central Washington will have a strong, capable leader to whom I can pass the torch.”
Mr. Newhouse emerged victorious over two Trump-backed challengers in 2022 and 2024 during the district’s primaries.
Republican Jerrod Sessler, who lost to Mr. Newhouse in 2024, and first-time GOP candidate Wesley Meier have filed paperwork to enter the race, according to the Federal Election Commission.
John Duresky, an Air Force veteran, is running on the Democratic side.
Mr. Newhouse is one of the last two remaining House Republicans — alongside Rep. David Valadao of California — who voted to impeach President Trump in 2021 over his role in the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. Ten Republicans voted that way.
Mr. Newhouse will finish out the rest of his term before stepping down.
“I am truly humbled by this uniquely American journey that took a farm boy from Sunnyside, Washington, clear across the country to represent his friends and neighbors in the ’other’ Washington,” he said. “I will continue to serve my district with energy and enthusiasm until the end of my term.”
