By Abbey Rodriguez | Staff Writer
Washington District 5 representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R) is retiring from the United States House of Representatives this coming 2024 November election. This means that Spokane, along with the rest of District 5, is looking for a new representative to join the 119th congress which will be in session from Jan. 3, 2025, to Jan. 3, 2027.
Rodgers was elected to office in 2005 and since served in 10 consecutive congresses. During her time in office, Rodgers was a successful politician, introducing a variety of bills and serving on a number of different committees, including the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and chairing the House Republican Conference. “Whether or not you agree with her political opinions, … she’s been an effective legislator,” said Dr. Aaron Hitefield, Whitworth assistant professor of political science. The Center for Effective Lawmaking highlighted that Rodgers was in the top third of effective lawmakers, based on the number of bills proposed regardless of party affiliation.
Rodgers’ retirement will impact Spokane and, moreover, District 5 because few of the candidates running for election have the political experience she does. “[For] anybody we get [into office] to replace her we’ll be starting from scratch,” said Hitefield. This means that Spokane and Washington state as a whole will have less impact on the House than when Rodgers did in office. However, the longer the newly elected representative remains in office, the more effective he or she will likely become.
The primary elections will take place on Aug. 16, 2024, during which the two candidates with the most votes will be permitted to run in the general election. All registered voters are permitted to vote for candidates regardless of party. Following the primary elections, the general election will take place in November. The winners from the primaries will be on the ballot for the general election, according to the National Conference of State Legislators website.
There are currently 12 candidates running for Rodgers’ seat in the House. However, there is still time for this to change, as candidate filling does not end until May 10th.