On Monday, Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez stood on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives and fought her own party.

The subject of the disagreement? Whether or not a fellow Democratic member of congress, Chuy Garcia of Illinois, had crossed ethical lines and rigged the 2026 election for his chief of staff. By, among other things, announcing his retirement after the filing deadline. 

Gluesenkamp Perez introduced a nonbinding resolution to disapprove of the maneuver, to the apparent surprise of Democratic leadership. 

After speaking out, she was skewered by many of her fellow party members. One called her opposition a “cheap political stunt”

Gluesenkamp Perez is known for bucking the party. Just last week she was one of only 6 House Democrats who voted to end the federal shutdown.

She also represents one of the few purple districts in the country: Washington’s 3rd, which includes Lewis, Cowlitz, Clark and Skamania County.

GUEST:

• Marie Gluesenkamp Perez represents Washington’s 3rd congressional district, which includes Lewis, Cowlitz, Clark and Skamania County

RELATED LINKS:

• Scoop: House Dem infighting poised to get even worse - Axios

• After fierce fight, WA lawmaker secures US House rebuke of fellow Democrat - WA state standard
• End of shutdown ignites new round of sparring among WA’s congressional lawmakers - WA state standard

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