Remarks by Congressman Michael Baumgartner

May 3, 2026

Reelection Filing Day- Spokane County Elections Office

Approxmately 4 minutes

OPENING

It probably comes as no surprise: tomorrow, I’m officially filing for re-election tomorrow morning. I’m running to keep listening to Eastern Washington — and to keep bringing our values and concerns to Congress.

We’ve had real successes these past two years. There is also work left to do, and a few things Washington, D.C. needs to get right.

I’m always guided by the people of Eastern Washington. There are ideas that may be popular in Seattle or San Francisco. But they are not the values of Spokane, Eastern Washington, or our rural counties.

I grew up here. I went to school here. I love this area. It’s easy to represent people I believe in and care about.

This morning, I ran Bloomsday for the XXth time — with Eleanor and the kids. I love that race. It brings Spokane together like few things can.

Tomorrow, I start a different race — one about whether Eastern Washington will have lower taxes, smaller government, stronger communities, and more freedom. Or higher taxes and less freedom.

WHAT I PROMISED — AND WHAT I’VE DELIVERED

Eighteen months ago, I asked for your vote and made a simple promise: I would show up, listen to the people of Eastern Washington, and work to secure the border, reduce taxes, and root out waste and fraud in federal spending.

I’ve worked to keep that promise. I voted for permanent tax relief for working families. I helped pass the Farm Bill through the House – for the first time in eight years, with an amendment to support the Columbia Basin Project and Eastern Washington agriculture.

And our office has answered — and I want to say this correctly — more than 180,000 emails and phone calls. We’ve helped hundreds of people solve problems with the federal government and returned $3.8 million to local families.

Whether you voted for me or not, I work for you. And I’ll keep showing up.

I’m also going to keep doing something that’s gone out of style in Washington: working across the aisle for bipartisan solutions, and treating people — whether they voted for me or not, whether they agree with me or not— with respect.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR EASTERN WASHINGTON

But we are not finished.

Cost of living is still squeezing Spokane families. Homelessness and public safety are still urgent. Affordable housing matters. Rural hospitals are under pressure. And our farmers, ranchers, small businesses, universities, service members, and veterans all need someone in their corner.

In a second term, I’ll keep fighting for lower taxes, safer communities, … for Fairchild and the Snake River Dams …and to restore integrity and civility to Congress.

Members of Congress should not trade individual stocks. Period. The American people deserve to know their representatives are working for them — not for their own portfolios. That’s why I’m a cosponsor of the bipartisan Restore Trust in Congress Act, and I’ll keep pushing until it gets done.

And I’m going to keep showing up.

THE TOUR

That’s why I’m beginning this campaign with what I’m calling “12 Counties in 12 Days.” I’ll be on the road across Eastern Washington — listening, answering questions, and hearing directly from the people I serve.

There are going to be a lot of people filing for Congress this week. I think that’s a good thing. In a year when America celebrates its 250th birthday, there may be no better tribute to this country than a real campaign, a real debate, and voters making informed choices.

I think the Founding Fathers would be delighted if they could see Spokane this week: families running Bloomsday, neighbors coming together, candidates stepping forward, voters asking hard questions, and democracy in full swing.

That is the country we’ve built. That is the community I love. And that is why I’m running again — to keep showing up, keep listening, and keep fighting for Eastern Washington.