When I became a Republican candidate for WA-8 Congress this past election, Party “experts” quickly proclaimed there were already 3 “great” Republican candidates, completely missing the fact that I ran because of them, not despite them. I ran because I’m sick of spineless candidates who never fight. I’m tired of squishy moderates who avoid the real, difficult issues. I’m disgusted by the Party running 1988-style campaigns. And like so many of us, I’m tired of losing.
I quickly received support from patriots across the district. But Party insiders attacked my candidacy: “You’re too late”; “You’ll dilute the primary vote”; “You need to wait your turn and pay your dues first.”
When I refused to back down, I was told to suck up to the establishment and “get in bed with the NRCC.” I wouldn’t do either, so the establishment locked shields to stunt my candidacy. No invites to Republican debates. No inclusion in RNC-run polls/advertisements. Strong-armed to “enthusiastically support” the primary winner — I explained I couldn’t support someone without Conservative values, so emails were sent instructing PCOs to withhold support. County chairs violated Party bylaws and endorsed other candidates. I was blocked from speaking at county meetings and, when I protested publicly, Party leaders instructed PCOs to canvas for only their chosen candidates.
To be clear, I never expected a smooth road as an outsider. It’s an uphill battle to disrupt the status quo and push the Party to bravely face the rise of communism. But I’m a patriot — fighting for our state and country is in my blood. The people and country are more than worth it.
I know my experience is not unique. Nationwide, campaigns of smart, qualified, engaging candidates with bold ideas and new energy were diminished and suffocated by county, state, and national Party leadership.
McConnell, McCarthy and McDaniel squandered the Red Wave and delivered a gigantic McFail. Feckless cowards. McConnell blamed poor GOP “candidate quality” as he worked to bolster those he could control. He withdrew millions from Masters in Arizona to push Murkowski over fellow Republican Tshibaka in Alaska. McCarthy failed to release clear, persuasive messaging for candidates to run on. Instead, we got a rambling rehash of Gingrich’s “Contract with America” with nothing actionable for voters to connect with. He hand-picked establishment favorites, funding hit ads against strong candidates, including one equating America First candidate Joe Kent to Adolf Hitler. McDaniel, our supposed RNC chair, took no discernible leadership position at all.
Running for Congress was the honor of a lifetime and the results of the midterm only increased my commitment to fight for change. The voters are not the problem. The Party is. For decades, the GOP has played by the same top down, “we know best” rules. If we keep doing what we’ve always done, we will keep getting what we’ve always gotten—losses. It’s time for new people, new leaders, new ideas, and new strategies. It’s time to fight, it’s time to win.
As a volunteer on Scott's campaign from start to finish, I watched first hand his ability to connect with grassroot patriots across District 8. He gave the average citizen hope that a citizen candidate cared about and loved this country and it's people. Whatever Scott decides to do in the future, I know he will make a difference. I encourage him to stay involved. We need more Patriots like him to stand up and represent us.
Perfectly articulated. Thank you once again, Scott, for your boldness, integrity and courage.