Category: Press Releases

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.

CAMAS, WA – Yesterday, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled that President Trump is ineligible to be listed on the ballot for voters in the state due to his alleged involvement in the January 6th insurrection.

Leslie Lewallen, former prosecuting attorney, current Camas City Council Member and candidate for WA-03, weighed in on the report.

“As a former law clerk for two state supreme court justices, this decision is just another example of judicial activism gone awry. Four judges in Colorado have twisted the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution into a pretzel to use it as a pretext to stop people from voting for Trump because they do not like his politics. As I read the 200-page opinion, it is poorly reasoned, outrageous, unprecedented, and I suspect, on its way to well-deserved reversal by the US Supreme Court.”

Learn more about Leslie and her experience here.

CAMAS, WA – In case you missed it, Leslie Lewallen was ranked one of the top ten contenders for Congress in the 2024 election. The Ripon Society worked with top national strategists to build the list: “The strategists included: Jason Thielman, who serves as Executive Director of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), Chris Winkelman, who serves as Executive Director of the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC); Parker Poling, who served as Executive Director of the NRCC during the 2020 election cycle; and, Dan Conston the President of the American Action Network and Congressional Leadership Fund.”

The race for WA-03 has already been listed as a top one to watch and Representative Gluesenkamp Perez as a candidate in trouble, but Washingtonians and local leaders are attesting that Lewallen is the candidate to watch.

“Washington’s third Congressional district is critical to the direction of the country. It is a priority of mine to continue to highlight the importance of our Congressional seat nationally and I am very proud and thankful to be named as a candidate to watch by the Ripon Society,” said Leslie Lewallen in a statement. “I will continue to work tirelessly for the people of Southwest Washington and I will always vote on behalf of the people of Southwest Washington. I am proud to be a fifth generation Washingtonian, something my opponents cannot say, and I deeply understand the needs of our community. MGP is the status quo and she needs to go.”

Click here to read the full article.

To learn more about Leslie, click here.

CAMAS, WA – In case you missed it, Leslie Lewallen was ranked one of the top contenders for Congress in the 2024 election. Surrounded by a strong crowd of other candidates, it’s clear Lewallen is making waves in her contest for Congress.

The race for WA-03 has already been listed as a top one to watch and Representative Gluesenkamp Perez as a candidate in trouble, but Lewallen is the candidate to watch. Marie Glusenkamp Perez has been working to bring Portland’s progressive policies to Southwest Washington, but not even people in Portland want to live in Portland. With 88% of Americans expressing discontent with the direction the country is going, it’s obviously time for a change.

“Portland progressive Perez is exactly what’s wrong with D.C. politicians – they preach one thing on the campaign trail and do the complete opposite when they get to Congress,” said Leslie Lewallen in a statement. “I will always vote on behalf of the people of Southwest Washington. I am proud to be a fifth generation Washingtonian, something my opponents cannot say, and I deeply understand the needs of our community. MGP is the status quo and she needs to go.“

Click here to read the full article.

To learn more about Leslie, click here.

CAMAS, WA – In case you missed it, Leslie Lewallen talked about the national importance of Washington’s 3rd Congressional District election with Brandi Kruse on her podcast unDivided.

Watch Leslie’s interview here:

There are a limited number of competitive Congressional seats nationally and WA-03 is within the top three potential Republican pickups. Leslie Lewallen, 5th Generation Washingtonian, former Prosecutor and Camas City Council Member is the candidate who best represents Southwest Washington and can defeat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez. Perez was able to take this seat from Republicans in 2022 when Joe Kent slipped into the general election despite all the other Republicans on the primary ballot getting twice as many votes as he did. In addition, in the last thirty years there has not been a single rematch for federal or statewide office in Washington State that has ever produced a flipped outcome. As the saying goes, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results

Southwest Washington is home to a diverse set of voters who want an alternative and that’s evidenced by the impressive coalition of supporters Lewallen has gathered as she campaigns across the district. It is time for new leadership that actually reflects the needs of Southwest Washingtonians and Lewallen is poised to be that leader.

To learn more about Leslie, click here.

CAMAS, WA – Since Leslie Lewallen’s campaign kicked off at the end of September, her endorsement list has continued to grow as her campaign gains momentum from local elected officials, small business owners, and advocates in the community. This coalition is being built because of Lewallen’s interconnectedness in Southwest Washington, her tireless work for the city of Camas, and the shared belief that Washington State needs representation that reflects their beliefs: something that Marie Gluesenkamp Perez has failed to provide.

In the last year alone, MGP has:

-Voted against securing the border which directly influences the safety of Southwest Washingtonians and allows unknown amounts of illicit drugs to enter the country simultaneously.

-Voted against the Parent’s Bill of Rights which affects the education and wellness of students as the divide between school boards and families continue to grow.

-Voted against providing small business support for locally owned organizations which make up 99.5% of Washington State’s businesses.

It’s clear that Washington deserves better and unlike some opponents who insist on bending the rules to garner endorsements and have languishing grassroots support, Leslie Lewallen is backed by a diverse group of allies.

See her some of her endorsers below:

Tiffany Smiley – Chair of Endeavor PAC

Sam Reed – Former WA Secretary of State

Rob McKenna – Former WA State Attorney General

JT Wilcox – District 2 WA State Representative

Jennifer Senescu – Camas City Council Member

Liz Pike – Former WA State Representative

Larry Hoff – Former WA State Representative

Reagan Dunn – King County Council Vice-Chair

Dann Mead Smith – Conservative Advocate and Former WA Policy Center President

Kevin Wallace – Former Bellevue City Council Member

Peter Van Nortwick – Clark County Assessor

Myrna Leija – La Center City Council Member

“I am so honored to have received all of these endorsements from such influential leaders in our community. Even more exciting to me, however, is the fact that these are all real people who have experienced what life is like when Gluesenkamp Perez is our representative,” said Lewallen in reference to her growing list of endorsements. “I am proud to be a voice for our conservative values. I am a 5th generation Washingtonian; I believe in our community and I believe in our country and I will be the representative that they both deserve.”

To learn more about Leslie, click here.

CAMAS, WA – Today, Myrna Leija, La Center City Council Member, endorsed Leslie Lewallen for WA-03. The announcement follows several other significant endorsements for Leslie as the Lewallen campaign continues to build a broad base of support across Washington state.

“As a longtime resident and representative of La Center, I have firsthand knowledge of the challenges facing Southwest Washington. With over 20 years spent working in the Clark County Sheriff’s office, I have seen the impact bad policies have on our law enforcement agencies and the consequences of poor governance. I am passionate about keeping our communities safe, and Leslie’s background as a King County prosecutor makes her uniquely qualified to understand and take action on the crime and safety issues our region is facing. We need leadership willing to stand against the progressive agendas taking over our cities and be a voice for all of the communities in Southwest Washington – big or small. I am confident Leslie Lewallen is the best leader for Washington-03, and I am proud to offer her my support,” said Leija on announcing her endorsement.

In June of 2023, Myrna Leija was unanimously appointed to fill a vacancy on the La Center City Council and then went on to win a full term with overwhelming support from La Center voters just five months later. Prior to her appointment and subsequent election, Myrna spent over 25 years working for the Clark County Sheriff’s department before taking a position as a contractor with the US Marshals office. A committed public servant, she has dedicated her time since taking office to improving La Center’s First Responder coverage and making La Center a liveable, thriving community. 

“I am proud to accept this endorsement from Myrna Lieja,” said Lewallen. “Myrna has dedicated much of her life to serving the residents of Clark County and now La Center. Her unwavering commitment to her community is what we need in our elected leaders. I look forward to serving the voters of Southwest Washington with the same passion and determination while addressing our most pressing issues – crime, addiction, a faltering economy and failing schools!”

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.