Rural Elections: Empowering Newly Registered Voters For Democratic Wins

In This Blog

The Most Expensive Race In Washington History?
Rural Americans United Targets Untapped Voter Pool
Seventy-Six Gifts
Granny Caravan: Unity Road Tour
Rural Spending: Feds Pony Up

1. The Most Expensive Race In Washington History?

The MAGA movement, which has significantly altered the Republican National Committee (RNC) and the U.S. House of Representatives, is now making waves in Washington and Oregon. What implications does this hold for the GOP and for those who value democratic principles?

In a recent blog, we discussed the Washington State GOP's shift towards MAGA, abandoning traditional Republican values. The Washington GOP has adopted an aggressive stance that seems to undermine constitutional democracy.

A similar scenario is unfolding in Oregon, where members of an anti-government group founded by far-right militia figure Ammon Bundy are running for Precinct Committee Officers (PCOs). Although PCO is an entry-level position, its importance cannot be overstated. PCOs organize and mobilize voters, significantly impacting campaigns and candidate success. They also vote for party leadership at local and state levels, wielding considerable influence. Surprisingly, Republicans have not attempted to infiltrate the Democratic Party by running for Democratic PCO positions, despite the ethical and legal gray areas.

In Washington, the GOP and local organizations have embraced MAGA candidates, ignoring traditional Republican frontrunners. Notably, they have endorsed Semi Bird over Dave Reichert and Jerrod Sessler over Dan Newhouse or Tiffany Smiley, who have access to significant financial support. Local chambers of commerce, like the Greater Yakima Chamber of Commerce, have shown biased support for MAGA candidates, and similar actions are expected from other local organizations.

For non-MAGA voters, three critical races in Congressional Districts 3, 4, and 5 are upcoming. In District 3, Maria Perez faces Joe Kent and Leslie Lewallen. With solid financial backing and a stable base, Perez is well-positioned to succeed.

District 4 promises to be the most contentious and one of the most expensive races in Washington State history. Incumbent Dan Newhouse, who previously raised seven million dollars effortlessly, will likely have substantial financial backing. Tiffany Smiley, who raised twenty million in her Senate run, is expected to gather significant funds again. Meanwhile, like Loren Culp before him, Jerrod Sessler faces financial struggles even with Trump’s and the Washington State GOP endorsements. Sessler is starting about four hundred thousand dollars in debt. With around twenty-three million Republican dollars in play, progressives and moderates face a tough battle. A MAGA candidate victory could drive more Democrats to support Newhouse, potentially reducing the Democratic vote from 32-34% to 28-30%, but still enough for a Democrat to advance past the primary.

In District 5, the race presents a significant opportunity following Cathy McMorris Rodgers' exit as outlined in a recent blog post. While there are uncertainties regarding the candidates' ability to engage the media, raise funds, and build strong campaigns, there is a clear path to victory. Close monitoring of FEC filings will reveal who is putting in the necessary work.

In summary, the MAGA influence in Washington and Oregon is reshaping the GOP and presenting new challenges for democratic values. The upcoming races in Congressional Districts 3, 4, and 5 will be pivotal in determining the future political landscape.

2. Election In Rural Areas: New Voter Registration Key

Over the course of the last several weeks we have made a clear argument for our newly registered campaign: May 1, May 8 and May 20. We have identified three compelling reasons why engaging this group is crucial for both immediate election success and a long-term strategy to bring sensible politics back to Central and Eastern Washington.

Firstly, we need their votes. The Democratic strategy is strong: mobilize core Democrats, canvass known Democrats, and get out the vote (GOTV) from intermittent Democratic voters. This effort should yield a 32% Democratic turnout. However, to win, we need 50% plus one vote, and 32% simply isn’t enough.

Secondly, we must broaden our outreach to potential voters. The current strategy employed by Democrats and most campaign consultants targets voters with known voting histories. This approach is reinforced by data sources like VoteBuilder, which identifies target audiences based on several factors, primarily political leanings and likelihood to vote a particular way. Newly registered voters, lacking a voting record, are often overlooked. The number of newly registered voters is significant—certainly enough to tip the scales in a local election.

Thirdly, the newly registered voting population is largely comprised of three marginalized groups: youth, Latinx, and Indigenous people. Voting data suggests that youth and Latinx voters are being swayed by the far-right, while Indigenous voters are neglected. These groups demand our attention and support. Ignoring them is not just a strategic error—it is a moral failing.

Rural Americans United is taking action across the seventeen counties that make up Central and Eastern Washington. We recognize the importance of partnering with communities and organizations that serve these marginalized groups. We are committed to supporting these efforts in every possible way, including covering all costs and logistical activities.

This is a pivotal moment. Mobilizing newly registered voters is not just a strategy—it’s a necessity. By reaching out and engaging these overlooked populations, we can secure the votes needed for victory and ensure that the voices of all community members are heard. Let's harness this opportunity to make a real difference and bring sensible politics back to our region. The time to act is now.

3. Seventy-Six Gifts! And Over One Hundred Thank You Cards

In June, we will be shipping out Seventy-Six gifts to our incredible supporters. These gifts represent donors who have committed to recurring donations for at least six months or have made an equivalent one-time contributions. And this is just the beginning! Our list of monthly recurring donors is growing daily, providing the critical resources we need to mobilize voters, especially within our marginalized communities: youth, Latinx, and Indigenous populations.

Your generous support is the backbone of our efforts. Every donation, whether large or small, empowers us to reach out, engage, and ensure that every voice is heard in Central and Eastern Washington. We are on a mission to bring sensible politics back to our region, and we can't do it without you.

4. Granny Caravan: Unity Road Tour

Roz Luther and Shirley Grossman Granny Caravan

We introduced you to the fabulous octogenarians Roz Luther and Shirley Grossman in our April 18th blog. Since then, they've made exciting plans and rebranded as the Granny Caravan: Unity Road Tour. With their big purple hats and boundless energy, they'll kick off the tour on June 12th, visiting fifteen towns across Eastern Washington.

This tour promises to be a blast, spreading a powerful message of unity, healing, and ensuring that everyone feels heard and respected. Besides helping with voter registration, these dynamic Grannies will chat with local organizations and individuals to understand their interests and concerns, bringing these insights back to the candidates. This kind of personalized interaction is a rare and refreshing change from the usual.