Gubernatorial candidate Semi Byrd pledges audits, end to 'sanctuary' status at Washington GOP convention

Semi Byrd, introduced to the Washington State Republican Party convention on the morning of the meeting, used his speech to acknowledge a past misdemeanor and outline a conservative policy agenda aimed at energizing the party's base.

Byrd, the gubernatorial candidate invited to the podium by the convention chair, described a troubled youth and said he takes “full accountability” for a 1993 misdemeanor stemming from what he said was unauthorized use of his father’s credit. "If you want me to disclose, I will disclose and I will lean into all of my life," Byrd said in the speech, asking delegates for forgiveness and support.

He framed his candidacy around a three-point "day one" plan he said he would pursue if elected: order a third-party audit of all state programs and offices to increase transparency and accountability; end Washington’s status as a "sanctuary state"; and publicly affirm strong support for law enforcement, veterans and school-choice measures. Byrd also told the convention he has aligned with Moms for Liberty on school-policy priorities and vowed to oppose measures he described as "critical race theory" in public schools.

Why it matters: The speech was delivered to a body that will endorse statewide candidates and select national delegates. Byrd’s public admission about his past arose amid questions from some delegates about the candidate committee’s vetting process, though the chair ruled a direct request for the committee to disclose details out of order. A delegate asked whether the candidate committee would explain why Byrd reportedly failed a vetting standard; the chair said that line of questioning was "out of order" after consulting the parliamentarian.

Supporters in the room repeatedly cheered and chanted slogans backing President Trump and the endorsed slate; Byrd closed with calls to "unite" and to "come home" to the party. The convention proceeded into procedural business that included ballots for statewide endorsements and a long series of introductions from delegates selected to go to the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.

The chair thanked Byrd and moved the convention to its next business: voting on endorsements and then electing national delegates and alternates.