Republican candidates press border, fentanyl and fiscal themes at Mainstream conference in Yakima

Rep. Dan Newhouse opened the evening with a keynote that framed the party’s priorities around family farms, border security and combating fentanyl.

"We live in an agricultural area here," Rep. Dan Newhouse said, describing his advocacy for rural interests and the Lower Snake River Dams that he said supply power to the state. He urged a return to what he described as Republican fundamentals, including fiscal restraint and support for law enforcement.

The event’s panel of four congressional candidates gave short pitches and answered a rapid-fire set of questions from Jim Walsh, chair of the Washington State Republican Party. Mike Baumgartner said the refugee and asylum process is being abused and called for stricter enforcement of existing rules. "The single biggest thing that's happened with immigration right now is the Biden administration is allowing the refugee process to be completely abused," he said.

Leslie Llewellyn advocated using technology and incentives to encourage lawful immigration and pushed for more parental control in education. "We should, definitely be giving parents more choice," she said, arguing that local authorities are better placed to manage schools. Drew McEwen also emphasized secure borders and quicker vetting, saying he is "100% for legal immigration." Carmen Gores cast her campaign as a bid to restore economic opportunity and fiscal discipline, urging supporters to help flip the district.

Public safety and fentanyl emerged as recurring themes: both Newhouse and Dr. Raul Garcia, who spoke earlier as a Senate candidate, characterized fentanyl as an urgent public-health crisis. Garcia recounted meeting families affected by overdoses and said the issue transcends partisan lines: "We're losing our neighbors and our children," he said.

On fiscal policy, candidates proposed a mix of audits, structural budget reforms and program cuts. Suggestions ranged from adopting biennial budgeting at the federal level to more aggressive pruning of programs candidates said were ineffective.

Panelists also discussed intra-party divisions and the need for post-primary unity. Several candidates urged focusing on shared priorities to preserve or expand the Republican majority in Congress.

The session closed with candidate anecdotes about their districts and a short video about Mainstream Republicans’ mission. Organizers thanked sponsors and encouraged attendees to network and sign initiatives at booths on site.

The Mainstream conference continues with additional panels scheduled the following morning. The evening session focused on campaign priorities and contrasts among Republican candidates ahead of the 2024 election cycle.