Upon the news that Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-08) would not be running for re-election, DCCC spokesperson Drew Godinich released the following statement:
It’s become increasingly clear that the Republican party is out of step with the values of western Washington, and Dave Reichert’s retirement is testament to how wide that gap has grown.
“As one of the most Democratic districts held by a Republican Representative, this district was always going to be competitive. Clearly, Congressman Reichert saw the writing on the wall, and realized that he was in for an uphill re-election campaign against a strong bench of Democratic challengers with a motivated base, while defending congressional Republicans’ failed legislative agenda, particularly on healthcare repeal.
“Democrats are confident that the people of the 8th District will finally have a Democrat representing their values in DC after next November.”
BACKGROUND ON THE EIGHTH DISTRICT
- Upon Reichert’s retirement announcement, Sabato’s Crystal Ball and Cook Political Report IMMEDIATELY moved this race to ‘Tossup’ from ‘safe Republican.’ Inside Elections moved the race from ‘Solid Republican’ to ‘Tilt Democratic’.
- Democratic presidential candidates have prevailed in this district in 2012 and 2016
- In 2012, Senator Cantwell won the 8th District with 54.4% of the vote