Washington State Republican Party Chairman Caleb Heimlich announced on Monday he is stepping down from the position.
Republicans in Washington are heading into a critical election year, hoping to switch up the leadership following longtime Democratic control in the Evergreen State.
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“Serving as the Chairman of the WSRP has been one of the highest honors of my life,” Heimlich said in a statement. “Traveling this great state, meeting thousands of committed people, working tirelessly with them to help elect great candidates, each moment has been both challenging and rewarding. However, for the purpose of being more present in my family’s life, it’s time for a change.”
Heimlich said his departure comes as he wants to be more present with his family.
"Through these last few election cycles, we have grown our engagement and support, and I believe this trajectory will continue under new leadership," Heimlich told the Washington Examiner. "While my stepping down signifies a change, I will be leaving the party in great financial shape with clear goals — and the team is ready to execute on those goals."
He said he believes the change in leadership will be a “smooth transition and continuity of the party’s work” as Republicans aim to make red waves in the 2024 elections.
"I believe the Washington State Republican Party is poised for positive change and success at the state and federal level," Heimlich said. "Leadership transitions often provide fresh perspectives and energy, both of which can be instrumental during crucial election periods such as this."
Democrats hold a state government trifecta, controlling both chambers of the legislature and the governorship. Democrats regained control of the state Senate in 2018 and have held the House since 2002, but in the past three decades, the Democratic Party has dominated the legislature the majority of the time.
Gov. Jay Inslee (D-WA) announced last month that he would not seek a fourth term, setting up a competitive primary as he currently is the longest-serving governor in the country.
Several Republicans have entered the race, hoping to take back the office for the first time in four decades. Richland School Board member Misipati "Semi" Bird was among the first GOP members to launch his bid last year. Raul Garcia, a doctor from Yakima, ran for governor in 2022 and is running again in 2024. Some other candidates with less political experience have joined the race, with Bird and Garcia being the current front-runners.
Democrats also are in the secretary of state and attorney general offices.
Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced his bid for governor, launching an exploratory campaign one day after Inslee said he would be up for reelection. There are no GOP contenders for Ferguson's post, with just Democratic state Sen. Manka Dhingra who launched a campaign for attorney general hoping to replace him.
Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs became the first Democrat to be elected secretary of state in more than 60 years in 2022. There are no candidates from either party currently in that race.
Heimlich was elected to the role in 2018 and spent over 12 years in the party, making him the longest-serving GOP state party chair since the 1980s. He expressed an interest in seeing a change from the Democratic majority in the state in his departing statement.
“I am committed to restoring balance to Washington state government and believe our citizens would be better served by more representation of diverse views than we currently see from the majority party in Olympia,” Heimlich said in his statement.
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An election to replace Heimlich as chairman will be held on Aug. 12 during a meeting of the Republican state committee, according to a statement from the party.
"I have every confidence that the incoming leadership will continue our efforts and serve the interests of our communities to make a positive impact on the political landscape in our state," Heimlich told the Washington Examiner, adding that "2024 will have many opportunities for Republicans to make gains at the state level with Governor, Attorney General, Lands Commissioner and Insurance Commissioner all as open seats."