Author: Leslie for Washington

CAMAS, WA – In case you missed it, Leslie Lewallen discussed what sets her apart in the race for WA-03 and what inspired her to get involved in local politics. Leslie has never been one to sit on the sidelines. Her track record proves that she knows how to win and how to advocate for the needs of her community.

Marie Gluesenkamp Perez doesn’t share the concerns of Washingtonians and is only in office to push through progressive policies. Just last week, Portland issued a state of emergency to address the opioid crisis, and Clark County has seen a 500% increase in overdoses from 2018-2022, yet Perez claimed that “nobody stays awake at night” worried about the border.

“As a mother of four, I constantly am talking to my children about drugs and about drugs being laced with fentanyl. I’m lying awake at night, so I don’t know why she isn’t,” said Lewallen in the interview.

When elected, Leslie will make securing the border and stopping the flow of fentanyl a top priority. This is in sharp contrast to Perez, who voted against the Secure the Border Act only months after being elected to Congress.

Leslie continues to build a strong campaign for Congress. She was ranked one of the top ten contenders for Congress in the 2024 election, and was endorsed by Winning for Women, Tiffany Smiley, and a number of local leaders who understand that Leslie will bring the change the state needs.

Click here to read the full article.

To learn more about Leslie, click here.

CAMAS, WA – In case you missed it, Winning for Women PAC endorsed Leslie Lewallen for WA-03 as the clear choice to beat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez. Lewallen has been listed as a key candidate to win the toss-up seat and is endorsed alongside a number of influential women around the country.

“These women are rising stars who will add to the record number of Republican women in the House of Representatives. With a razor-thin majority in the House, flipping these seats is critical to holding and expanding our majority,” said Danielle Barrow, Executive Director of WFW PAC. “We are excited to help ensure they have the resources they need as they work to secure their primary and general election victories.“

Winning for Women PAC is an organization that exists to empower women and provide them with the tools they need to be elected to public office. Candidates endorsed by the PAC show a strong commitment to economic freedom and national security, and the endorsement proves that they have a clear pathway to victory.

“I am honored to receive the endorsement of Winning For Women PAC,” said Leslie Lewallen, candidate for Washington’s 3rd Congressional District. “I am a fifth generation Washingtonian, wife, and mother of four who got tired of sitting on the sidelines during COVID. I am forever grateful for Winning For Women’s encouragement and support to run for office and fight for the country I love.“

This endorsement is another in a growing list that signals significant momentum for the Lewallen camp. While Marie Gluesenkamp Perez votes against the interests of Washingtonians, Leslie Lewallen will cut costs and secure the border.To learn more about Leslie and her endorsements, click here.

CAMAS, WA – Today, Heidi St. John, founder of Faith That Speaks, public speaker, author, and podcast host endorsed Leslie Lewallen for WA-03. This announcement is a clear indication that local leaders are unifying around Lewallen as the candidate that will win.

“I have spent most of my adult life in SW Washington, and as almost everyone who has been here as long as I have can attest, things have changed-but generally, not for the better. The Washington I raised my children in bears little resemblance to the Washington my grandchildren are growing up in. Like you, I have witnessed a massive cultural shift in values in both our state and our nation. We have strayed far from the principles of faith, family, and freedom that made our nation the most prosperous nation on earth.

We were once a nation that leaned on the words “In God We Trust.” Not anymore. The Democrats took prayer out of classrooms, courtrooms, and corporate spaces. Let me ask you: how’s that working out?

I was raised in a community where my parents were the decision makers until I turned 18. Parental authority was only questioned in cases of abuse or neglect. Not anymore. Now, parents who question the perverse material being pushed on kids via our schools are labeled “domestic terrorists” and routinely shut out of the classroom. I started my business in part because I saw thousands of moms like me who are struggling to protect their families from this rising woke culture that we know in our bones is poisonous.

As a mom of four, Leslie Lewallen shares my concern for our families. Fentanyl streams in from our southern border killing our children by the thousands each year. As a former prosecutor, Leslie knows the danger of the Biden administration’s failure to secure our border. Border security should be a no-brainer. A non-partisan issue. But sadly, it’s not. MGP voted against securing the border, now fentanyl overdoses are the leading cause of death in people ages 10-19 years old.

This cannot stand. We need new leadership to represent SW Washington in Congress. Like me, Leslie wants to return the people to the driver’s seat and see the size and scope of an ever-intrusive government shrink. The result of limited government? More freedom for the people. Leslie is a limited government advocate and understands government solutions are not the answer.

It’s time we get our country back on track.

Leslie Lewallen is a lifelong Washingtonian who has experience in leadership in SW Washington. That matters. Like me, she knows there is no better fighter for our children than their parents. She saw how these policies were hurting her kids and refused to stay on the sidelines. We need people in Congress like Leslie who understand our problems are rooted in a rotting culture and are willing to take the necessary action to right our ship before it sinks.

Leslie is the right candidate for this race and I’m honored to endorse her as she works to bring common sense and limited government back to Congress.”

Heidi St. John and her husband Jay reside in Battle Ground, Washington and have seven children together and soon to be five grandchildren. St. John has homeschooled all her children. She is the co-founder of the Vancouver-based Firmly Planted Homeschool Resource Center. Heidi conducts a weekly nationwide Bible study that connects women across the country. She also has written nine books and speaks to audiences around the nation on issues related to faith and culture. Heidi’s work as the founder of the women’s organization Faith That Speaks can be found here. Her books can be found everywhere books are available.

Leslie Lewallen issued a response to the endorsement:

“Heidi St. John is a fierce advocate for her children and for women all over the nation. Her trailblazing leadership in our community is an essential voice of reason amidst thundering chaos. I am honored to have her support in this campaign”

The Lewallen campaign continues to receive endorsements from a dynamic group of supporters from every walk of life and background- demonstrating, yet again, that Leslie is the best candidate to represent the diverse voters of Southwest Washington. While Marie Gluesenkamp Perez actively votes against the interests of WA-03 constituents, Leslie Lewallen will fight to show voters that there is a better path forward.

To learn more about Leslie, click here.

CAMAS, WA – Last week, Washington state Democrats authored a bill that demands “person first” language when referring to violent sex offenders. Liberal lawmakers in the state have reported that this bill is one of their top priorities for the year, and it perfectly encapsulates all that’s wrong with the Democrat party: soft-on-crime policies that amplify the rights of the criminal over the victim coupled with political theater intended to distract voters from the real issues facing the Evergreen State.

Democrats are notorious for taking soft-on-crime stances and endangering the lives of everyday citizens. From allowing an open border to supply opioids to American neighborhoods, to reducing sentences for criminals dealing and possessing drugs in the midst of an opioid overdose crisis, Democrats seem to want Americans to suffer.

Marie Gluesenkamp Perez has been at the forefront of damaging policies. She voted not to secure the border and was quoted saying that “nobody stays awake at night” thinking about the drug abuse epidemic sweeping the state. Perez is clearly out of touch with the needs of Washingtonians since drug overdose fatalities increased 500% in Clark County alone.

“This is precisely why I am in the race for WA-03: Washington Democrats have lost sight of the goal,” said Leslie Lewallen, in a statement. “Guided by Portland Progressive Perez who wants nothing more than to be accepted into ‘The Squad’, Democrats in the Evergreen State are allowing their out-of-touch political goals to guide their policymaking and Washingtonians bear the brunt of their gamesmanship. This bill would effectively undermine the atrocities committed against survivors of sexual assault and give perpetrators the ability to endanger more innocent lives. It’s time to put an end to Perez and Washington Democrats’ sidestepping of the real issues and bring solutions to WA-03!“

Just as concerning is the fact that Democrats believe changing the label of sex offenders should be their top priority. Instead of addressing the homeless crisis, opioid deaths, failing education system, rising crime, or affordability in the state, they want to make criminals feel better about their crimes. Lewallen will bring sanity to Congress and set an example for Washington state lawmakers to follow. 

To learn more about Leslie, click here.

CAMAS, WA – On Wednesday, the Supreme Court of the United States heard oral arguments in the case Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo. This ruling has the potential to strike a major blow to the scope and authority of federal agencies, which would be a win for Americans whose lives are increasingly regulated by the bureaucratic state.

Leslie Lewallen, former prosecutor and candidate for Congress, who has been advocating for two decades to rein in the reach of the federal government, issued the following statement regarding yesterday’s oral arguments:

“Americans across the country are being held back by burdensome regulations and bureaucratic red tape from the federal government that is coming out of their bottom line! Overturning the Supreme Court’s 1984 ruling in Chevron is the victory that every American needs when it comes to stopping big government. When I get to Congress, it will be my top priority to cut the size of our federal agencies and return out country to a more limited form of government. The Chevron doctrine has effectively led to a fourth branch of government: the administrative branch. However, the members of this branch, unlike the ones established by our Founding Fathers, are not elected by the people, receive very little oversight, and have contributed to a rapid expansion of Executive power beyond what our Constitution envisioned. These agencies have used their power to make the border worse, undermine our police officers, slow down our economy, and dumb down our education system. In fact, Chief Justice Roberts, in his 2013 dissent in City of Arlington v. FCC, wrote ‘. . . the danger posed by the growing power of the administrative state cannot be dismissed.’ Indeed, it cannot. Should the Supreme Court choose not to reverse this terrible precedent, then when I get to Congress, I will do everything in my authority to curb the power of these unelected bureaucrats in Washington D.C..”

At the heart of Loper is a precedent set in 1984 by the Supreme Court in the case Chevron U.S.A., Inc. v. Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc. In its ruling, the Court held that, while government agencies must adhere to clear legislative directions from Congress, when Congress has not expressly spoken to a specific question, it is within the agency’s power to act “based on a permissible construction of the statute,” and that deference should be afforded to those agencies’ translation of the law.

In the forty years since the Chevron doctrine entered the judicial lexicon, the United States has seen an exponential growth in the number of federal agencies supporting the Executive Branch. Accompanying that growth is an ever-increasing number of federal regulations that, thanks to Chevron, receive the same treatment as laws passed by Congress. In fact, according to Forbes, in 2023, President Biden’s agencies implemented 3,018 new rules. Meanwhile, Congress only passed 27 bills that became law last year. Federal agencies pass more rules that govern American’s day-to-day lives than Congress.

At issue in Loper, is one such rule that requires private fishing companies to pay the salaries of federally mandated observers who are required to accompany the vessels out to sea in an effort to prevent overfishing. Congress never authorized the agency in question to levy fees against the fishing companies, the total amount of which approaches 20% of their revenues. The Court is being asked to either overturn Chevron or “clarify that statutory silence concerning controversial powers expressly but narrowly granted elsewhere in the statute does not constitute an ambiguity requiring deference to the agency.”

Lewallen has been a strong advocate for limited government both as a prosecutor and on the Camas City Council; and she will continue to hold Democrats accountable for their expansion of federal power when she goes to D.C. as the Representative for WA-03.

To learn more about Leslie, click here.

CAMAS, WA – Today, Tim Hein, a Camas City Council Member, endorsed Leslie Lewallen for WA-03. The announcement is another significant endorsement for the Lewallen campaign, as Leslie continues to build a broad base of support across Washington state.

“Politics today are marked by tribalism which makes accomplishing any meaningful legislative victories difficult. We need elected leaders who are willing to work together in a non-partisan way to best serve their constituents. I have had the pleasure of working with Leslie on the Camas City Council and have been impressed by her ability to seek common ground to accomplish our work on behalf of the city. I have no doubt that Leslie will take this same approach with her as the next Representative for Washington- 03!” said Hein on announcing his endorsement.

Tim Hein graduated from the United States Military Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree and then went on to earn a Master’s in Business Administration from Pacific Lutheran University. After serving for six years as an active duty officer in the Army, he went on to serve for 25 years in Executive Leadership positions for numerous medical device companies. Tim served for 17 years as a member of the Camas Planning Commission while also being involved with the Camas Education Foundation and the budget committee for the School District Superintendent. Tim and his wife have two sons, both graduates of Camas High.

“Sometimes the hardest place to garner support is in your own hometown,” said Lewallen. “which makes Tim’s endorsement even more meaningful. I’ve been fortunate to work closely with Tim as a fellow Camas City Council member. I have seen his dedication to our community and his commitment to working with all Council members, regardless of ideological background. He is passionate about delivering results for the residents of Camas and ensuring our town is positioned to grow in the coming years. Tim’s example of finding common ground and working for the good of his constituents is one I look forward to emulating when I get to D.C. to represent the voters of Southwest Washington.”

The Lewallen campaign continues to receive endorsements from a dynamic group of supporters from every walk of life and background- demonstrating that Leslie is the best candidate to represent the diverse voters of Southwest Washington. While Marie Gluesenkamp Perez actively votes against the interests of WA-03 constituents, Leslie Lewallen will fight to show voters that there is a better path forward.

To learn more about Leslie and her endorsements, click here.

CAMAS, WA – On Friday, January 12, the Supreme Court of the United States granted certiorari in City of Grants Pass v. Johnson. This welcomed announcement comes as Western cities like Portland, Seattle and San Francisco are being crushed by escalating numbers of homeless individuals and an accompanying increase in crime, drug use and public health risks.

City of Grants Pass v. Johnson stems from an earlier decision in the case Martin v. City of Boise in which the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment prevented cities from criminally prosecuting individuals for sleeping outside when shelter space was unavailable. Following Martin, the City of Grants Pass attempted to rework their camping ordinances in a way that accommodated the Ninth Circuit’s ruling but still allowed them to address the growing homelessness in their area. In response, the Ninth Circuit struck down the new ordinance, and refused the city’s request for a rehearing before the entire Ninth Circuit bench. Grants Pass then appealed their case to the Supreme Court of the United States, asking the Court to definitively rule on whether or not enforcement of anti-camping laws really constitutes “cruel and unusual punishment” as defined under the Eighth Amendment.

The impact of the Ninth Circuit’s ruling on the nine states under its jurisdiction has been staggering as they struggle to address growing homelessness in their major cities. In 2018, the year Martin v. Boise was handed down, roughly 30 out of every 10,000 people in Washington were experiencing homelessness. Five years later, that number ballooned to 36 out of every 10,000 people for a total of 28,036 individuals experiencing homelessness in 2023. Washington now has the sixth highest rate of homelessness in the country.

Leslie Lewallen, Camas City Council Member and candidate for Congress, hailed the high court’s announcement with the following statement: “I am thrilled that the Supreme Court has granted certiorari to City of Grants Pass v. Johnson after they refused to take up Martin v. City of Boise in 2019. Martin v. Boise was a terrible decision, handed down by three, Democratic judges on the 9th Circuit. It has paralyzed cities’ efforts to adequately address the growing homelessness crises in an effective but compassionate manner. It is my ardent hope that through this process the Supreme Court will ultimately strike down Martin v. Boise.”

Lewallen has been a strong advocate for addressing the homelessness crisis on the Camas City Council and will continue to hold Democrats accountable for their inaction.

To learn more about Leslie, click here.

CAMAS, WA – Today, Leslie Lewallen issued a statement on Governor Inslee’s State of the State address. See below:
“Today’s State of the State from Governor Inslee is more of what Washingtonians are tired of: empty platitudes and inflated success stories from his time as governor. We are facing record homelessness in the state and sky-high housing and gasoline costs. Crime is causing local stores to close down and hundreds of thousands of people don’t have access to broadband – these issues are not indicative of success, but rather years of failed progressive policies that have emptied taxpayer’s wallets. It is time for new leadership, not only in the governor’s mansion, but in Congress, that will take a realistic look at what’s going on in Washington State and not rest until problems get solved. Washingtonians deserve better- and I am a leader with proven results that will deliver.“

To learn more about Leslie, click here.

CAMAS, WA – Today, Don Chaney, the retired Camas Chief of Police and a Camas City Council Member, endorsed Leslie Lewallen for WA-03. The announcement is another significant endorsement for the Lewallen campaign, as Leslie continues to earn the backing of her colleagues and build a broad base of support across Washington state.

“Having the opportunity to endorse a colleague for a federal office does not happen every day. I have worked closely with Leslie for the past three years and have seen her dedication to the residents of Camas. Leslie pays close attention to the concerns of the public, and works hard to find effective solutions for difficult issues. Her time as a King County prosecutor has given her a unique perspective on the deteriorating state of “law and order” in our nation, and the credentials to be able to advocate for change. At a time when our nation is facing challenges on every front, competent and focused leadership matters. I am proud to endorse Leslie to be that elected leader for WA-03!” said Chaney on announcing his endorsement.

Don Chaney has been a Camas, WA resident since 1973. A graduate of Evergreen High, he enlisted in the US Army in 1967 and served in South Korea. After settling in Camas, Don served on the Camas Police Force for 35 years, the last 10 of which were as the Chief of Police. In addition to the police force, Don and his wife, Linda, owned and operated several small businesses in the area. Don has been an active member of the Camas community over the years, serving on numerous boards and committees. He was first elected to the City Council in 2008 and has served four terms in that role. Don and Linda have three children and three grandchildren, all residents of Camas.

“I am honored to receive this endorsement from a friend and fellow Council member. Don and I have worked side-by-side on the Camas City Council to tackle the issues facing a growing area. We share a concern for the impact homelessness and increased drug use will have on our community, and believe that we must find a better way to address those concerns. Likewise, we see the threat posed by our open border and know that it isn’t just an issue of immigration reform, but of national security as well. Washington state is facing a lot of challenges, and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez has proven she isn’t up to the task of being an effective voice for SW Washington voters. I’m the only candidate in this race with the experience and background necessary to defeat her, and next November that is exactly what I’m going to do!”

The Lewallen campaign continues to receive endorsements from a dynamic group of supporters from every walk of life and background- demonstrating, yet again, that Leslie is the best candidate to represent the diverse voters of Southwest Washington. While Marie Gluesenkamp Perez actively votes against the interests of WA-03 constituents, Leslie Lewallen will fight to show voters that there is a better path forward.

To learn more about Leslie and her endorsements, click here.

CAMAS, WA – Democrats have gone soft-on-crime and criminals are taking note. From businesses being forced out of the state because of crime, to Washington state ranking first in retail theft, Washingtonians have felt the effects of the rise in crime. According to Clark County Sheriff, John Horch, juvenile crime is quickly becoming the most pressing crisis for local law enforcement.

Two years ago, a new law was enacted that has significantly hampered the ability of law enforcement to do their jobs. Due to the increased bureaucratic barriers, juveniles are participating in illicit activities and experiencing no consequences.

Democrats notoriously take the wrong side when legislating on crime, and they have created another law that advocates for criminals. The Democrats’ approach has been characterized by misguided policies that prioritize ideology over public safety. From lax enforcement to a lack of support for law enforcement, their record has left communities vulnerable.

Leslie Lewallen, candidate for WA-03 and current Camas City Council Member, weighed in on the report from the sheriff:

“As a former prosecuting attorney and a staunch advocate for law and order, reports like this trouble me. We should be increasing the safety of Washingtonians, not making it easier for criminals to terrorize our neighborhoods. When I get to Congress, I will champion measures that uplift law enforcement officers and provide more resources to them so that they can do their jobs and keep our communities safe. MGP and Democrats have proven they don’t care to look out for us, so I will ensure that safety is a top priority.“

Leslie Lewallen’s experience as an attorney and on the Camas City Council uniquely qualifies her to create policies that best serve Southwest Washington. While Democrats seek to dismantle public safety, Lewallen will always fight for the safety and security of Washington state.

To learn more about Leslie, click here.