Rep. Dan Newhouse, the Washington Republican from the 4th Congressional District who joined 16 other GOP lawmakers in impeaching Donald Trump after the January
6 Capitol riot, announced Wednesday he will not seek re-election in 2026. The 70-year-old congressman, first elected in 2014, described serving the district as "the honor of my life" in a statement expressing gratitude after more than a decade in the House and 25 years total in public service. Newhouse survived Trump-endorsed primary challenges, including 2024's Jerrod Sessler whom Trump called him a "Weak and Pathetic RINO" for the impeachment vote. Only five of the 17 Trump-impeaching Republicans remain in Congress today. Newhouse defended his 2021 impeachment vote stating President Trump "failed to fulfill his oath of office" by inflaming the mob with misinformation and failing to call reinforcements when Capitol Police were overwhelmed. He emphasized the need for leadership during the crisis, joining 10 House Republicans in the vote. Trump retaliated by backing MAGA challengers against Newhouse and the other nine House defectors. Newhouse won re-election anyway, bucking the purge.
Today I am announcing I will not seek reelection in 2026. See my statement below: pic.twitter.com/374ez1r0Lc
— Rep. Dan Newhouse (@RepNewhouse) December 17, 2025
Trump Impeachment Vote Legacy
Newhouse was among 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach Trump on charges of incitement of insurrection following the Capitol breach that left five dead. Seven GOP senators later convicted Trump in the trial, but he was acquitted. Newhouse argued "our country needed a leader" and Trump did not strongly condemn the violence. The vote drew fierce MAGA backlash with Trump labeling dissenters RINOs unworthy of support. Newhouse endured but now exits voluntarily. Of the original 17, only Newhouse, David Valadao (House), Susan Collins, Bill Cassidy and Lisa Murkowski (Senate) remain.
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Primary battles intensified scrutiny on Newhouse's district spanning central Washington's agriculture-heavy areas. Trump endorsed Sessler in 2024 calling Newhouse's impeachment "for no reason," yet Newhouse prevailed. The congressman focused on bipartisan farm bills and water rights amid Columbia Basin disputes. His retirement opens WA-4 to a crowded 2026 GOP primary likely featuring Trump loyalists. Local Republicans praised his independence despite party fractures.
Newhouse's Congressional Tenure
Newhouse chaired the House GOP's bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus and Agriculture Committee, pushing farm aid and trade deals benefiting Washington growers. He navigated Trump-era fights voting against some border wall funds while backing tax cuts. Impeachment defined his national profile, costing party-line support but earning crossover praise. District voters prioritized constituent service over loyalty tests. Newhouse leaves with strong fundraising and name recognition built over 12 years. Successor race shapes early 2026 cycle.
