Jesse Jensen Launches New Congressional Bid For WA's 8th District

SAMMAMISH, WA — Rep. Kim Schrier (D-Sammamish) will face at least two Republican challengers next year as she seeks a third term representing Washington's 8th Congressional District, including a familiar opponent. Former Army ranger and Bonney Lake Republican Jesse Jensen announced his congressional campaign Tuesday, making another run to unseat Schrier after falling short in 2020.

The 8th District includes the cities of Sammamish, Issaquah, Maple Valley and Bonney Lake, along with several other communities across east King and Pierce counties and all of Chelan and Kittitas counties.

In an announcement shared on social media Tuesday, Jensen criticized "tax hikes and out-of-control spending."

He writes:

"As an Army Ranger, we got the job done no matter how tough the situation or how difficult the mission. I served four combat tours defending my country against our enemies, and now I’m running to represent Washington families in DC because I’m ready to continue my service in Congress. Far-left politicians are taking this country down a dangerous path. I’m an Army Ranger, not a politician. I fought our enemies in combat, and in Congress, I won’t back down in the fight to stop tax hikes and out-of-control spending, secure our border, and keep Americans safe. We need more servant-leaders protecting American families, not liberal career politicians looking out for their own interests."

When Jensen faced Schrier in 2020, he came within four points of victory, despite little help from the national party and a much smaller war chest than Schrier. In seeking to flip the 8th District, Jensen will compete with fellow Republican Matt Larkin, who most recently ran unsuccessfully for Washington State Attorney General. When Schrier was first elected in 2018, the Issaquah pediatrician became the first Democrat to represent the 8th District in the House since it was created in 1980.