Dan Newhouse

Dan Newhouse is an American politician and farmer serving as the U.S. Representative for Washington's 4th congressional district since 2015. A member of the Republican Party, he previously served in the Washington House of Representatives and as Director of the Washington State Department of Agriculture. His tenure in the Congress has been notable for his focus on agricultural policy, water rights, and his vote to impeach former President Donald Trump.

Early life and education

Dan Newhouse was born in Sunnyside, Washington, a community within the agriculturally rich Yakima Valley. He is a third-generation farmer whose family has been involved in horticulture and hop farming in the region for decades. He attended Washington State University in Pullman, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics. His education and upbringing in the Columbia Basin profoundly shaped his understanding of Western water issues and agribusiness.

Early career

Prior to entering federal politics, Newhouse managed the family farm, Newhouse Farms, which grew a variety of crops including hops, apples, grapes, and asparagus. His involvement in agricultural organizations led to his appointment as Director of the Washington State Department of Agriculture by Governor Chris Gregoire, a Democrat, serving from 2009 to 2013. He also served as a member of the Washington House of Representatives from the 15th district from 2003 to 2009, where he sat on committees related to agriculture and natural resources.

U.S. House of Representatives

Newhouse was first elected to the United States House of Representatives in 2014, succeeding retiring Republican Doc Hastings. He represents Washington's 4th congressional district, which encompasses central Washington including cities like Tri-Cities, Yakima, and Moses Lake. In the 118th United States Congress, he serves on the powerful House Committee on Appropriations, where he is a member of the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies and the Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies. He has been a member of the Congressional Western Caucus and the Republican Main Street Partnership. A significant moment in his congressional career came in January 2021 when he was one of ten House Republicans to vote for the impeachment of President Donald Trump following the January 6 Capitol attack.

Political positions

Newhouse is considered a pragmatic conservative with a legislative focus heavily centered on the agricultural and natural resource needs of his district. He is a staunch advocate for the agricultural industry, often working on issues related to farm bill reauthorizations, trade policies like the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement, and immigration reform for agricultural workers. He is deeply involved in water rights and infrastructure debates, particularly concerning the Columbia River system, Bureau of Reclamation projects, and the Endangered Species Act as it relates to Pacific Northwest salmon. While generally supportive of Republican leadership, his vote to impeach Donald Trump highlighted an independent streak and led to a primary challenge, which he survived. He has also expressed support for expanding nuclear power, notably at the Hanford Site, and for strengthening national security.

Electoral history

In the 2014 election for Washington's 4th congressional district, Newhouse won the top-two primary and defeated Clint Didier in the general election. He was re-elected in 2016, 2018, and 2020 by comfortable margins. Following his impeachment vote, he faced a significant primary challenge in 2022 from Loren Culp, who was endorsed by Donald Trump. Newhouse won the primary and subsequently the general election against Democrat Doug White. He secured the Republican nomination again in 2024 and is favored to retain his seat in the November election.

Category:1955 births Category:Living people Category:Members of the United States House of Representatives from Washington (state) Category:Washington State University alumni