Schrier defeating Rossi; Newhouse keeping seat

Nov. 07--WENATCHEE -- After a heated monthslong battle, Democrat Dr. Kim Schrier was leading Republican Dino Rossi in the 8th Congressional District.

In the 4th Congressional District, it looked like U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Sunnyside, would serve a third term. He was defeating Democrat Christine Brown, of Kennewick.

Schrier, 50, of Issaquah, had received 104,520 votes (52.9 percent) as of Tuesday night. Rossi, 59, of Sammamish, had gotten 92,900 votes (47.1 percent).

Newhouse, 63, had received 85,149 votes (65.4 percent) as of Tuesday night. Brown, 68, had gotten 45,040 votes (34.6 percent).

Schrier would replace retiring U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert, R-Auburn. Reichert is completing his seventh term representing the district, which includes Chelan County and East Wenatchee.

Newhouse's district includes most of Douglas County outside of East Wenatchee.

Schrier has been a pediatrician for 17 years. A political newcomer, she based her campaign largely on protecting health care.

She and Rossi emerged from a dozen candidates in the Aug. 7 primary.

"Tonight's numbers prove that voters in the 8th District want a new voice in Congress, who will take on special interests, lower prescription drug costs and protect women's reproductive rights," she said in a news release.

Rossi served as a state senator from 1997 to 2003 and returned in 2012 and 2016 to fill midterm vacancies. He unsuccessfully ran for governor in 2004 and 2008 and U.S. Senate in 2010.

He could not be reached for comment Tuesday night.

Newhouse said he was honored to continue serving. Having raised his family and operated a farm in the district, he said he can relate to his constituents.

"I do the best I can at representing the people of the 4th District," he said. "We have a very diverse district with a lot of huge issues that are important to people here. ... The issues people are concerned with, frankly, they're my issues too."

Despite a shift to the Democratic side in the U.S. House of Representatives, Newhouse said many challenges will remain the same and he'll continue working to promote local interests.

Brown, a former journalist, was Newhouse's only challenger this election. She said she decided to run out of concern for the direction the country was heading under President Donald Trump.

"A lot of Republicans like what they see. I do not, and there are other people in this region who don't either," she said. "We're outnumbered, bottom line."

However, she said she's seen a renewed energy among fellow Democrats and more people getting involved with campaigns. She said the party will continue fighting hard.

Reach Bridget Mire at 509-665-1179 or (javascript required to see email). Follow Bridget on Twitter at @bridget_mire.

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