| Today, the DCCC is expanding House Democrats’ Districts in Play for the 2026 election cycle to include Washington’s Fifth Congressional District, signaling Democrats’ readiness to reclaim the House majority by widening the battlefield and working to defeat Michael Baumgartner.
The DCCC’s Districts in Play are competitive districts held by vulnerable Republicans across the country that will determine the House Majority.
Baumgartner carried only 47% of the vote in his state’s all-party primary, despite being the only Republican on the ballot in a Trump +11 district. His subpar primary performance is a clear indication that Washingtonians are fed up with Baumgartner’s wildly unpopular cost-hiking record.
“Michael Baumgartner is another out-of-touch politician. Baumgartner has been a rubberstamp for reckless wars, devastating trade policies, and Donald Trump’s billionaires-first agenda that has made life unaffordable for Washingtonians. Washington deserves better, and that’s why voters will make sure he’s a one-termer come November,” said DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene.
The addition of WA-05 to the DCCC’s Districts in Play sends a clear message that Democrats know Washington state voters are souring on Baumgartner, making victory in the district within reach. |
