Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Washington), who served two terms representing an Idaho to Oregon spanning district, recently announced she will not run again this year. McMorris Rodgers rose through House GOP ranks to serve as chairperson of Energy and Commerce Committee before departing Congress this year.
Spokane County Democratic Chair Carmela Conroy and Obstetrician-Gynecologist Bernadine Bank are running for her seat, both being shaken by Thursday’s announcement.
Spokane’s Cathy McMorris Rodgers Will Not Seek Reelection to House
McMorris Rodgers, who ascended to House Republican leadership and assumed chairmanship of the Energy and Commerce Committee shortly after a GOP takeover in 2023, declared Thursday it was time for her to serve Eastern Washington differently after two decades in Congress.
McMorris Rodgers, 54 years old and one of 18 House Republicans to announce her plans not to seek reelection this year, cited her family and their needs in her statement of withdrawal.
KREM first reported this news, while The Hill and CNN confirmed it shortly thereafter. McMorris Rodgers had long been expected to run for House Whip, the position which would put her in line to lead any potential Republican majority that might form in Congress in future.
Her district is both conservative politically and rural in nature, encompassing timber, ranching and mining industries in the north as well as dryland wheat production in the south. No other GOP candidates have announced plans to challenge her for her seat; however, several Democrats including former state Rep Natasha Hill may vie for it, having put aside over $1.6 million at year end towards reelection; she won her election with nearly 60% of votes cast against her; leaving may signal other Republicans to abandoning the job in favor of an increased Democratic majority that may make working less appealing.
She Says She Won’t Seek Reelection to House
McMorris Rodgers, who made waves when she joined the House Energy and Commerce Committee last year after transitioning from Republican leadership, announced in a statement she will not run again this November. Following prayerful contemplation and reflection she determined now is an opportune time to provide service to her constituents in new ways.
Spokane Republican Lisa Murkowski quickly rose to the ranks of GOP leadership following her 2004 election, being an outspoken critic of Vice President Joseph Biden and sponsoring legislation to regulate tech companies and lower health care costs. Additionally, she supported legislation known as the ABLE Act which helps people with disabilities create tax-free savings accounts for future plans.
her decision not to seek reelection comes amid efforts by Democrats to flip her traditionally Republican 5th District seat. Prosser businessman Jerrod Sessler announced his candidacy, accusing Republicans of supporting the “Green Scare” while also repeating baseless conspiracy theories about an attack at the Capitol on January 6, according to Sessler.
McMorris Rodgers’ departure is yet another indication of Congress becoming an increasingly toxic workplace. Many Republicans who are leaving have stated they don’t feel secure being reelected in Democratic-leaning districts; others are tired of gridlock following contentious campaign for speaker. This year has seen more retiring Republicans than running to replace them.
Spokane’s Cathy McMorris Rodgers Says She Won’t Seek Reelection to House
Cathy McMorris Rodgers is one of the most powerful Republicans in Congress and an outspoken supporter of her party’s position as one that values women, mothers and minorities. But now she must address why so many in her party support Donald Trump as president.
Congresswoman Delahunt represents Washington’s 5th District, comprising Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, Pullman and Idaho Falls – four predominantly conservative cities that voted overwhelmingly for Donald Trump in 2016. Her state and nation’s economy is strong while her party recently passed a tax cut bill that benefits residents in her district.
Polls indicate, however, that she could lose in November as several Democratic challengers vie for her seat.
McMorris Rodgers serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee since joining it after Republican control of the House last year. Her portfolio covers issues like improving healthcare access, investing in rural broadband access and developing pragmatic energy solutions.
McMorris Rodgers has spent over a decade fulfilling this challenging role and making many friends while being recognized as an effective leader. Unfortunately, however, she’s decided not to seek reelection this fall – similar decisions were already announced by other Republican committee chairs including Financial Services Committee Chairman Patrick McHenry and Appropriations Committee Chair Kay Granger according to reports by The Washington Post.
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