Have Central WA Democrats already chosen their pick to challenge Rep. Newhouse?

With filing week more than six months out, Central Washington Democrats are coalescing their support around a West Richland veteran for Congress.

The hope is to oust Rep. Dan Newhouse from office during the 2026 midterm elections at a time when progressives are increasingly frustrated with the congressman’s support of Trump administration policies.

The party also is hoping to avoid a fumble in the primary.

That happened last year, when three Democrats split the progressive vote and allowed Newhouse to advance to the general election alongside Trump-endorsed challenger Jerrod Sessler. In Washington’s primary, the two candidates who receive the most votes advance to the general.

Some in the Democrat Party believe John Duresky, a first-time candidate, is the man for the job. He declared i