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● InformationalElections / Campaigns

National Democrats target Eastern Washington House race as 'in play'

Conroy is challenging Baumgartner, and her campaign says Trump’s involvement reflects concern about the race.

National Democrats target Eastern Washington House race as 'in play'
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Outlet credibilityArcaMax42/100 LOW
This article1 analysis · Oct 3, 2026
ArcaMax
Oct 2, 2026
tl;dr

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee called Washington’s 5th District race competitive, challenging Republican Rep. Michael Baumgartner as he seeks a second term against Democrat Carmela Conroy. Both campaigns and national party figures disputed whether the seat is genuinely in play.

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VOTING CLOSED
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NOT RATEDCLOSED

No good or bad look here

This story reports what happened without casting Conroy in a good or bad light, so readers don’t rate it and it doesn’t count toward Conroy’s record.

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Democratic challenger in the Washington 5th District race

PRIMARY SUBJECT

Republican incumbent in the Washington 5th District race

Baumgartner's version of this story ↗
Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President who endorsed Baumgartner and criticized Conroy

Bernie Sanders
I · VT · SEN

Senator cited by Baumgartner as an example of national Democrats’ influence

Cathy McMorris Rodgers
Former U.S. Representative (R-WA)

Former representative whose retirement preceded Baumgartner’s election

DCCC chair who criticized Baumgartner

Part of a bigger story

3 OUTLETS
National Democrats Identify Washington’s 5th District as a Pickup Opportunity

Outlets agree the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee designated Washington’s 5th Congressional District race as competitive, targeting Republican Representative Michael Baumgartner's seat as Democratic challenger Carmela Conroy seeks to flip it. Center outlets report on national efforts to target the seat, balancing Democratic optimism against Republican skepticism in a district that has historically favored the GOP. The Seattle Times highlights arguments from both campaigns over whether the seat is genuinely winnable.

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