Semi Bird Backers Thwart WA GOP’s Attempt to Block Endorsement Vote

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At the Washington state GOP convention, delegates revolted against party officials after candidate Semi Bird was disqualified from the endorsement process due to past missteps, including a 1993 conviction for bank larceny. Supporters restored Bird’s eligibility, prompting Dave Reichert, the best-known contender, to withdraw from the “deceitful and dishonest” endorsement process, criticizing Bird’s past and his supporters’ tactics. The dispute highlights divisions within the party, with some delegates also reacting negatively to pro-Trump and anti-Trump factions, indicating the complex dynamics of the state’s GOP ahead of the gubernatorial race.

Washington Republicans Disagree Over Endorsements in Key Races

During a recent state convention, Washington Republicans faced a divide when deciding endorsements in major races. The party’s top polling candidate, Dave Reichert, former congressman and King County Sheriff, denounced the endorsement process as dishonest.

The discord began when state GOP officials disqualified Semi Bird, a former member of the Richland School Board, citing his lack of transparency during the party’s candidate-vetting process. The party ultimately decided to forgo the gubernatorial endorsement, leaving neither Reichert nor Bird with the party’s backing.

The announcement sparked outrage among approximately 1,800 delegates, many supporting Bird. This reaction was propelled by a Seattle Times report revealing Bird’s past 1993 conviction for bank larceny.

In response to the party’s decision, Bird’s supporters successfully voted to reinstate his endorsement eligibility. Reichert, however, withdrew from the endorsement process, criticizing it as chaotic and futile.

Despite his withdrawal, Reichert intends to participate in the August 6 primary. Bird’s potential party endorsement could offer financial and logistical support, but the top two vote-getters in the primary will advance to the general election, regardless of party affiliation.

The convention, which also involved speeches by other Republican candidates seeking endorsements, revealed a Republican base largely supportive of Donald Trump. Former U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Battle Ground, faced negative reactions due to her vote to impeach Trump in 2021.

Other Republicans who voted for Trump’s impeachment, like U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Sunnyside, also faced backlash from the party. Newhouse lost the party’s endorsement to Jerrod Sessler, a conservative businessman backed by Trump.

Reichert, who may still engage in discussions for party support, plans to focus on defeating his likely Democratic opponent, Attorney General Bob Ferguson, in the upcoming November election.

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