Washington
As Sessler preps to face Newhouse, Smiley stays on sidelines • Washington State Standard
It’s been clear for several days that MAGA Republican Jerrod Sessler and Republican U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse would face each other in November after they secured the top spots in the Aug. 6 primary.
What’s been unknown is what the other Republican in the primary with former President Donald Trump’s endorsement would do after finishing third in the contest for the 4th Congressional District seat in central Washington.
On Wednesday, in her first public statement since ballot counting began, Smiley thanked supporters but made no mention of Sessler who garnered 33% of the vote, Newhouse is second with 23.5% followed by Smiley with 19%.
“I will never stop fighting for those who recognize the need to promote and support conservative values,” she said. “We will never stop fighting for you, our state and our country.”
Those familiar with the congressional contest said the two Republicans haven’t spoken and she’s not endorsed him.
Smiley’s entry into the race in May reportedly didn’t sit well with Sessler.
Until then, he had campaigned for months as the only Republican challenger to Newhouse. Plus he had the endorsements of the state Republican Party and former President Donald Trump. Smiley, who lost her bid for U.S. Senate in 2022, altered the race dynamics and, in the final days of the primary, snagged Trump’s endorsement too.
Sessler initially issued a statement Wednesday implying Smiley was on board with his campaign.
“I am very thankful for the support and encouragement from Tiffany Smiley,” he said.
He struck a different tone in an updated version put out hours later.
“I have a great deal of respect for Tiffany Smiley. She fought a hard race and was a strong competitor,” he said. “Tiffany and I are both fighting for the same reasons, so as I move on to the general, I am confident that I have her support against Dan Newhouse.”
“I look forward to her input as we move forward to ensure that Washington’s 4th district is represented by the only Trump-endorsed America First candidate in the race,” Sessler wrote.
Newhouse is trying to keep the House seat he’s held since 2015.
He’s one of 10 GOP House members who voted to impeach Trump in 2021 and one of only two still serving in the chamber. That made him a target for the former president.
Sessler is a Navy veteran and businessman. He ran for the seat two years ago but did not advance out of the primary.
The 4th district covers much of central Washington, from the Canadian border to Oregon, including the Yakima Valley, the Yakama Indian Reservation, the Tri-Cities, Moses Lake and parts of the North Cascades and the Colville Reservation.
Washington
Tulip Day Washington draws buzz as sign-up site goes down
WASHINGTON – Coming up this month, spring’s most colorful new event: Tulip Day Washington.
What we know:
On March 15, 2026, Tulip Day Washington will transform DC’s National Mall into a vibrant tulip-picking garden beautiful views of U.S. Capitol
This one-day event will take place from 11:15 AM – 4:15 PM, offering a floral showcase of approximately 150,000 tulips; visitors are invited to pick their choice of 10 tulips for free upon arrival.
Dig deeper:
The registration site for Tulip Day is currently down, showing users “This site is currently unavailable. If you’re the owner of this website, please contact your hosting provider to get this resolved.”
Users on social media say the event may be sold out.
Check tulipday.eu for updates.
The backstory:
The event is organized by the Embassy of the Netherlands and Royal Anthos, a Dutch trade association, in honor of America’s 250th birthday. The display of tulips will be in the shape of the number 250.
The bulbs come from the Netherlands, but are being grown in Virginia and New Jersey.
These won’t be the first tulips on the National Mall, however. The Floral Library, also known as the Tulip Library, features 93 beds of flowers near the Tidal Basin. The Floral Library was established in 1969, and is maintained by the National Park Services. These flowers, though, are to be enjoyed only – not to be picked.
Washington
PHOTOS: Long Beach State Dirtbags vs. Washington State, Baseball
The562’s coverage of Dirtbags Baseball for the 2026 season is sponsored by P2S, Inc. Visit p2sinc.com to learn more.
Long Beach State dropped a 9-7 decision against Washington State on Sunday afternoon, closing out a busy weekend on Bohl Diamond at Blair Field.
The visiting Cougars took the lead for good in the eighth inning when Long Beach Poly grad Ryan Skjonsby delivered a game-winning two-run single with two outs and the bases loaded. Skjonsby was 2-for-4 with a walk, a run scored and three RBIs for Washington State in their road victory.
For the Dirtbags, catcher Damon Valdez scored twice and had a key two-run single in the sixth to help lead a Long Beach comeback. Trevor Goldenetz had a pair of hits at the top of the order, including an RBI triple. Camden Gasser walked twice and singled, improving his on-base percentage to .574 on the season.
Long Beach State (4-7) will be back in action at home on Tuesday with an exhibition match against Waseda University from Japan. The Dirtbags will then visit San Diego State on Wednesday and open Big West play at UC Santa Barbara this weekend.
Washington
Week Ahead in Washington: March 1
WASHINGTON (Gray DC) – Operation “Epic Fury” — the weekend military operations carried out by the U.S. and Israel against targets in Iran — tops the agenda for Congress as lawmakers return to Washington.
Sunday, President Donald Trump said the new leadership in Iran wants to talk to the Trump Administration.
Democrats in both chambers called for Congress to return as soon as possible for classified briefings on Iran, followed by a move to vote on the War Powers Act. The Constitution gives Congress the power to declare war on another country.
Congress’ return to Washington was originally delayed due to the start of the 2026 midterm elections cycle.
Tuesday, voters in Arkansas, North Carolina and Texas head to the polls for primary elections.
North Carolina and Texas are drawing significant attention, as both states are facing congressional redistricting and competitive primary races for Senate seats.
In Texas, incumbent Sen. John Cornyn (R) is facing primary challenges from state Attorney General Ken Paxton and Rep. Wesley Hunt. On the Democratic side, Rep. Jasmine Crockett is facing state Rep. James Talarico.
In North Carolina, candidates are vying to replacing retiring Sen. Thom Tillis (R) . They include former Governor Roy Cooper (D) and former Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley.
Also this week, the Rev. Jesse Jackson is laid to rest. He will be honored Wednesday in Washington before a final memorial service Saturday. Jackson died Feb. 17.
Copyright 2026 Gray DC. All rights reserved.
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