In This Blog
My op-ed: Lessor Of Two Evils? Choosing Between R's
30,858! Newly Registered Voters Reached!
$45,000 Media Campaign Launches To Secure Democrat Wins In Legislative District 14!
My op-ed: Lessor Of Two Evils? Choosing Between R's
For those of us who lean left of MAGA in Congressional District 4 (70% of voters), the upcoming election between Republicans Jerrod Sessler and Dan Newhouse, alongside Democrat write-in candidate Cherissa Boyd, is often framed as a choice between the lesser of two evils. I disagree with this framing. Having experienced a challenging election cycle with both candidates in 2022, and having stayed deeply involved in Central Washington politics since, I offer a perspective few others have. I’ve been the target of their political attacks and debated them on issues—whether on stage, in front of a camera, or before editorial boards. The only similarity between Sessler and Newhouse is their ability to shift into whatever position they believe will grant them the power they seek.
So, what sets them apart? Dan Newhouse is damaging in a more benign way, while Jerrod Sessler's blind ambition, ignorance, and embrace of extremist and conspiracy theories make him genuinely frightening.
Newhouse is seeking his fifth term as Representative for Congressional District 4, a career milestone with few accomplishments. As a backbencher, he has overseen nearly a decade of economic stagnation. Wage increases have largely been driven by minimum wage hikes, while new industries have been kept out to protect agriculture's access to cheap labor.
On key issues like immigration, climate change, and renewable energy expansion, Newhouse has fallen short. Rather than improving legal immigration to support the workforce, he grandstands at the border over illegal crossings. Instead of addressing climate change, which affects farmers and causes wildfires, he denies it. And rather than promoting Central Washington's renewable energy potential, he travels to Arizona to support their non-renewable energy sector.
In nearly ten years, Newhouse has passed only four pieces of legislation: renaming a building, delaying the start of an energy project, and securing funding for two water projects. His reputation as "all hat and no cattle" is well-deserved. He makes promises to constituents and then writes legislation, knowing full well it won’t progress beyond a headline and a soundbite. His ineffectiveness is clear from his legislation, which is often co-sponsored by no one but himself.
Jerrod Sessler, on the other hand, is prone to exaggeration in both words and actions. A carpetbagger from Burien, he came to Central Washington hoping to easily unseat Newhouse, who was politically vulnerable after voting to impeach Trump. Sessler, however, was a fish out of water. He soon changed his wardrobe, adopting boots, denim, and a cowboy hat, but looked more like Howdy Doody than one of us. His attempt to play to an imagined caricature revealed his ignorance.
Sessler’s lack of understanding showed when he made statements like, "Climate change can’t be all bad—don’t plants grow better when it’s hot?" He demonstrated dangerous recklessness by brandishing a sidearm in a high school auditorium, telling the crowd he would keep them safe. He resembled a child playing cowboy more than a responsible adult wielding a deadly weapon.
At candidate forums, Sessler would loudly boast about the money he raised, yet FEC reports reveal that he is by far his largest donor, with little support from constituents. His detachment from reality, his election denial, his promotion of Project 2025, and his support for Christian Nationalism show a man with little grasp of the communities he wants to represent.
Sessler's call for dismantling the federal government in favor of local self-governance may sound appealing at first. But this disconnects from the realities of Congressional District 4, which relies heavily on federal support. Without it, our economy would collapse.
Why do I reject the idea that this election is a choice between the lesser of two evils? Because Newhouse isn’t evil. Few people are enthusiastic about Newhouse, but many say, "He’s not that bad" or "I know him, so I feel I have to vote for him." He is a pliable politician who achieves little, allowing our district to stagnate rather than realizing its potential. Sessler, however, is genuinely dangerous. His desire for power, reliance on falsehoods, and ignorance of politics, governance, and the very communities he seeks to represent make him unfit for office.
This Democrat will be voting for Newhouse and once again Democrats will save Republicans from themselves and keep the wheels of democracy turning.
30,858! Newly Registered Voters Reached!
This past week, Rural Americans United sent out another 5,280 postcards to newly registered voters in Central and Eastern Washington. Our goal was to reach 30,000 newly registered voters before the election, and we’ve surpassed that with 30,858! We are reaching out to newly registered voters because no one else is. These voters lack a voting history and are unlikely targets for resource- and cash-constrained campaigns or local organizations, which tend to focus on voters most likely to support them. Rural Americans United is playing the long game. We believe that engaging potential voters early and maintaining a dialogue can help inoculate them against the pervasive far-right rhetoric they encounter. Thank you for your support in these efforts—we couldn't have done it without you.
$45,000 Media Campaign Launches To Secure Democrat Wins In Legislative District 14!
Rural Americans United's sister organization, Rural Americans United Education Foundation, is launching an aggressive multimedia campaign to motivate newly registered and swing voters to VOTE! We are always grateful to our donors for making this possible. It is through your generosity that we are able to give so much back to the communities we value so greatly.
Rural Americans United At Work
Rural Americans United focuses on three key tactics to identify, persuade, and engage voters.
1. Immunize Against Far-Right Rhetoric
We target newly registered voters with alternative information and ongoing dialogue to counter MAGA influence. Our Newly Registered Voter Outreach program ensures that every new voter in Central and Eastern Washington is contacted and informed about voting. With over 30,000 newly registered voters expected by the next election, this is a significant voting block that moves us closer to our goal of 50% +1.
2. Educate and Represent
In areas like Yakima County, 80% of people have never heard a pro-Democratic message. This lack of representation leads to isolation and hopelessness among Democrats. Rural Americans United launched the first-ever pro-Democratic messaging campaign in Central Washington, reaching over twenty million radio impressions. We aim to continue this effort by purchasing local radio and print businesses, bringing back sensible politics and countering far-right gaslighting. By providing alternative viewpoints, we energize Democrats and inform independents and moderate Republicans.
3. Embrace Ballot Harvesting
Ballot harvesting involves collecting ballots from voters at non-official locations. Republicans excel at this, while Democrats do not. Washington State's ambiguous laws on ballot harvesting mean anyone with a receptacle can do it. We should encourage ballot harvesting at churches, community organizations, bars, and clubs. Instead of relying solely on ballot parties, we should incentivize people to bring their ballots to places they already frequent, increasing voter turnout. Security is crucial, as MAGA supporters may attempt to disrupt the process. We're working with music venues to create ballot harvest events targeting youth, using incentives like free drinks and no cover charges.
The Goal
Getting out the vote isn't enough. Progressives and moderates need new, cost-effective ways to engage a larger portion of the voter base. Rural Americans United is working hard to close the gap and reach 50% +1, with the support of many dedicated organizations and individuals.
Let's unite, innovate, and secure those crucial votes to make a real difference in our communities. Together, we can create a brighter future for all.
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