Democrat Brent Hennrich officially launched his campaign for Washington’s Third Congressional District on Thursday, April 2, setting up a primary challenge against incumbent U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Skamania.
Hennrich kicked off his campaign at the AMC Classic Theater in Vancouver, a venue significant to the candidate. More than two decades ago, he helped oversee the theater's final construction and opening, when it introduced the “dinner and a movie” concept locally during his tenure with Cinetopia.
Supporters and local Democratic leaders gathered at the event, where several speakers offered endorsements before Hennrich delivered remarks outlining his background, policy priorities and criticism of the district’s current representation.
During an interview, Hennrich said his first run for Congress in 2022 grew out of frustrations during the COVID-19 pandemic and his interest in how federal policy decisions were being made.
“I just felt like, hey, this is something I … care about,” Hennrich said. “I'm worried about … the world going forward for my kids, but I'm a problem solver. I can interpret data and I can make on-the-fly decisions. And so that's why I decided to step up and I amassed a very good amount of support.”
Hennrich initially ran during the 2022 election cycle but withdrew from the race before the primary, saying he believed a split Democratic vote could have helped advance two Republicans to the general election.
Now, Hennrich hopes to unseat Gluesenkamp Perez after four years in office. He says his decision to challenge Gluesenkamp Perez follows a review of her voting record. Her vote in support of the SAVE Act, a controversial proposal that would require proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections, was the tipping point for Hennrich. Critics, including Hennrich, argue that such a law could disenfranchise millions of voters who lack readily available documentation.
“It was when she voted for the SAVE Act, when she voted to say that my wife and, in the future, my daughters would have to go pay a poll tax to be able to vote,” he said. “So I said, OK, so what's the point of having her there if she's just gonna vote on stuff and her answer is, don't worry how I vote because the Senate is going to clean it up.”
Hennrich said the issue reinforced his belief that the district needs a more consistently progressive voice in Congress.
Healthcare policy is a central pillar of his campaign, with “Let’s Heal Washington” used as a key slogan. Hennrich supports universal healthcare and frequently cites his experiences traveling abroad for work as shaping his views on the U.S. healthcare system.
“America's healthcare system is so expensive because it's all bureaucracy, it's all overhead,” he said. “It's all pushing paper when at the end of the day, somebody that's hurt simply needs a doctor that knows what they're doing with a pair of tweezers, antiseptic and a band-aid.”
Beyond healthcare, Hennrich says his priorities include government accountability, continued federal investment in infrastructure and stronger funding for education and childcare.
When asked about his plans to run in a purple district as a progressive candidate, Hennrich pointed to affordability, one of his main priorities, as a key issue experienced by voters of both parties.
“I'm running on honesty, integrity, accessibility, and continuing that through my run and once I'm in office,” he said. “I'm concerned with healthcare, education, infrastructure and government accountability. I don't see where this turns off voters. I believe that we are speaking to the masses right now. People can't afford healthcare. People are… sinking, and I want to make sure that we're doing things at the federal level so people can afford to enjoy their lives, be able to go on a vacation, and overall be able to just go forward.”
Hennrich also said he is open to working across the aisle in Congress for certain policies, including funding packages, but will draw a line on certain issues.
“I'm ready to work in DC, and I can compromise, I'm happy to compromise,” he said. “...But I will not compromise my morals, and I will not compromise others' rights.”
At his campaign kickoff speech, he said his run is a broader push for economic fairness and political reform.
“I'm sick of hearing about corporations' record profits when so many I know live paycheck-to-paycheck,” he said. “I'm sick of insider traders making millions on wars while we send our sons, daughters, friends, and neighbors into harm's way. I am sick of billionaires meddling in politics while they will not pay their fair share.”
Local Democratic leaders also spoke at the kickoff event, offering early endorsements for Hennrich’s campaign.
Carol Brock, a former chair of the Lewis County Democrats and a state committee member, said she has supported Hennrich since his first congressional run and praised his decision to step aside during a previous election cycle to avoid splitting the Democratic vote.
“That is a selfless act,” Brock said. “That action told me even more about him. He is one of us trying to do the right thing for all of us.”
Brock said Hennrich’s background as a middle-class resident of the district gives him a perspective she believes is needed in Congress.
“He supports his community and fights for us all wherever he can,” Brock said. “We need a voice like his to stand up for what is right for all of us.”
LaDonna Kirkpatrick, chair of the 18th Legislative District Democrats, who said she was speaking in a personal capacity when endorsing Hennrich, described him as a candidate who would prioritize service and accountability.
“We need somebody who will truly represent Democratic values not just in name but in action,” Kirkpatrick said. “Someone who will fight for working families, defend human rights and stand up to extremism whenever it shows up.”
Clark County Councilor Wil Fuentes also endorsed Hennrich, arguing the district needs a representative who more consistently reflects Democratic positions on issues such as voting rights and immigration policy.
“Brent is running because he believes Democrats should actually fight for Democratic values,” Fuentes said. “He’s showing up with clarity and conviction.”
Closing his remarks to supporters Thursday night, Hennrich called on Democrats to look closely at who represents them.
“I want to remind everyone in this room who said ‘Vote blue,’ that's true, but I say ‘Vote blue, but it matters who,” Hennrich said.
On the Republican side, state Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia, is the leading candidate in the race.
Readers can learn more about Hennrich’s campaign at brenthennrich.com.
