House Incumbents Target Voter Outreach in Pacific Northwest Swing Districts

In the competitive landscape of the Pacific Northwest, two House incumbents are actively courting voters from the opposing party. Recent scenes at the Clark County Fairgrounds illustrate this effort, as families gathered for Dozer Days, a construction-themed event aimed at introducing children to trades. Democratic Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, accompanied by her husband and young son, took the stage to highlight the importance of trades in her district.

“I don’t know about you guys, but we’ve been counting down to Dozer Days for a month,” she said, emphasizing pride in the local workforce. Her focus on job creation is crucial as she faces a rematch against far-right Republican Joe Kent in a district that swung for Trump in 2020.

Washington’s 3rd Congressional District is one of 21 “crossover” seats, where the sitting representative is from a different party than the one that won the district in the last presidential election. With the stakes high, both incumbents must navigate a delicate balance between local needs and national party affiliations, especially as partisanship intensifies.

Incumbents often emphasize their independence, highlighting bipartisan achievements while opponents aim to nationalize their campaigns. Gluesenkamp Perez has notably distanced herself from national Democratic policies, especially those involving student debt cancellation, which have drawn criticism from her constituents. Her approach reflects a desire to represent her district’s working-class values.

Over the past two election cycles, voters have witnessed the ramifications of ousting centrist representatives. Gluesenkamp Perez succeeded Jaime Herrera Beutler, who was ousted after voting to impeach Trump. Gluesenkamp Perez narrowly won her seat in 2022, indicating a volatile political landscape.

In Oregon’s neighboring 5th District, a similar dynamic unfolded. Republican Lori Chavez-DeRemer seeks re-election in a district that backed Biden in 2020. Both Gluesenkamp Perez and Chavez-DeRemer often share flights between Portland and D.C., collaborating on issues while promoting their bipartisan efforts to constituents.

Chavez-DeRemer is focused on local issues while countering accusations of extreme partisanship. “People want to categorize you as red or blue,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of trust in her ability to represent the district.

To avoid a repeat of past mistakes, Democrats have rallied around state Rep. Janelle Bynum, who they believe better represents the evolving political landscape after Oregon gained a new congressional seat. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries recently supported Bynum in a press conference, signaling the party’s commitment to reclaiming the district.

Both candidates are leaning heavily into key issues such as abortion rights and crime. In a state where abortion remains a hot-button topic, Bynum emphasizes her support for reproductive rights, while Republicans frame their narratives around crime and public safety.

Recent polling indicates that the Pacific Northwest is crucial for the Democratic majority in the House. “The Pacific Northwest is key to a House Democratic majority,” stated Dan Gottlieb from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, indicating that these races could tilt the balance of power.

On the other side, Republicans are leveraging narratives around drug policy and crime, criticizing Democrats for the fallout from Oregon’s decriminalization of hard drugs. Chavez-DeRemer, for her part, has pointed to the dire consequences of these policies in her campaign messages.

As they campaign, both incumbents must address the complex realities of their districts. For Gluesenkamp Perez, her relationship with local voters is critical, especially as she seeks to secure support from independents and moderate Republicans. Kent, on the other hand, has attempted to shift his campaign strategy to be more inclusive, distancing himself from divisive rhetoric that alienated moderate voters in his first run.

The stakes are high in these Pacific Northwest districts, where every vote counts. As Gluesenkamp Perez focuses on local issues and engagement, Kent reiterates his commitment to broader Republican values, aware that these races could significantly impact the House’s composition after the election.

In a region marked by political diversity and shifting allegiances, the strategies employed by these incumbents reflect a critical understanding of the electorate’s desires and concerns. The 2024 elections will likely serve as a referendum on their approaches, testing their ability to transcend party lines and connect with a varied voter base.