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Washington's 1st Congressional District elections, 2014

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Washington's 1st Congressional District
General Election Date
November 4, 2014
Primary Date
August 5, 2014
November 4 Election Winner:
Suzan DelBene Democratic Party
Incumbent prior to election
Suzan DelBene Democratic Party
Suzan DelBene.png
Race Ratings
Cook Political Report: Likely Democratic[1]

Sabato's Crystal Ball: Safe D[2]

Washington U.S. House Elections
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2014 U.S. Senate Elections
2014 U.S. House Elections
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The 1st Congressional District of Washington held an election for the U.S. House of Representatives on November 4, 2014. Incumbent Suzan DelBene (D) and Pedro Celis (R) were the winners of the August 5, 2014, blanket primary. DelBene defeated Celis in the general election. DelBene and Celis are former Microsoft employees.[3] The race was rated a "Safe Democrat" contest by Rothenberg Political Report/Roll Call.[4]

Candidate Filing Deadline Primary Election General Election
May 16, 2014
August 5, 2014
November 4, 2014

Primary: Washington uses a top-two primary system, in which all candidates appear on the same ballot, for congressional and state-level elections. The top two vote-getters move on to the general election, regardless of their party affiliation. In states that do not use a top-two system, all parties are usually able to put forward a candidate for the general election if they choose to.[5][6]

For information about which offices are nominated via primary election, see this article.

Voter registration: Voters had to register to vote in the primary by either July 7, 2014, by mail or online, or July 28, 2014, in person. For the general election, the voter registration deadline was October 6, 2014.[7]

See also: Washington elections, 2014

Incumbent: Heading into the election the incumbent was Suzan DelBene (D), who was first elected in 2012.

Washington's 1st Congressional District is located in the northwestern portion of the state and includes parts of Whatcom, Skagit, King and Snohomish counties.[8]

Candidates

General election candidates


August 5, 2014, primary results

Democratic Party Democratic candidates

Republican Party Republican candidates

Grey.png Third party candidates

Election results

General election

U.S. House, Washington District 1 General Election, 2014
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Democratic Green check mark transparent.pngSuzan DelBene Incumbent 55% 124,151
     Republican Pedro Celis 45% 101,428
Total Votes 225,579
Source: Washington Secretary of State

Blanket primary

U.S. House, Washington District 1, Blanket Primary, 2014
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Democratic Green check mark transparent.pngSuzan DelBene Incumbent 50.7% 59,798
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngPedro Celis 16.4% 19,407
     Republican Robert Sutherland 15.6% 18,424
     Republican John Orlinski 10.1% 11,891
     Republican Edwin Moats 4.4% 5,225
     Independent Richard Todd 1.7% 2,044
     National Union Party Mike the Mover 1% 1,192
Total Votes 117,981
Source: Results via WA.gov

Race background

Frontline Program

Incumbent Suzan DelBene (D) is a member of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's Frontline Program. The program was designed to help protect vulnerable Democratic incumbents during the 2014 election cycle.[14]

Young Guns Program

Challenger Pedro Celis (R) was a member of the National Republican Congressional Committee's Young Guns Program. The program was designed to help candidates challenging incumbent Democrats in targeted races.[15]

Issues

Evergreen forum

On June 19, 2014, the Evergreen Republican Women's Club Forum hosted a forum featuring Republican candidates: Pedro Celis, Ed Moats and Robert Sutherland. Each candidate told the audience why they were running for Congress and were asked questions about their stance on marriage and abortion. Here are excerpts from the candidates opening comments:

  • Pedro Celis said his campaign is “an extension of what I have done in my career, which is to be a problem-solver, to be a consensus builder, to find difficult problems where you are required to understand how to move things forward.”[16]
  • Ed Moats: “I am a conservative Republican which means pro-property, pro-guns, pro-life, pro-marriage, pro-business, pro-military, pro-national defense, pro-oil, pro-coal, pro-agriculture, pro-energy independence."[16]
  • Robert Sutherland: “We have a rich Microsoft exec ... a lawyer lobbyist. Then you have me, someone who has never run for office before. I am middle class. I am working class. I am one of you.”[16]

During the question and answer session, Sutherland accused Celis of being "pro-choice" and in response he stated that "he's personally pro-life but the law does protect a woman's right to decide."[16] Social conservatives, Sutherland and Moats are strongly anti-abortion and both oppose same-sex marriage. Celis also opposes same-sex marriage but noted that he supports civil unions.[16]

Key votes

Below are important votes that DelBene cast during the 113th Congress.

National security

NDAA

Yea3.png DelBene voted in support of HR 1960 - the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014. The bill passed the House on June 14, 2013, with a vote of 315 - 108. Both parties were somewhat divided on the vote.[17]

DHS Appropriations

Nay3.png DelBene voted in opposition of HR 2217 - the DHS Appropriations Act of 2014. The bill passed the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 245 - 182 and was largely along party lines.[17]

Keystone Pipeline Amendment

Yea3.png DelBene voted in favor of House Amendment 69, which would have amended HR 3 to "require that the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, in consultation with the Department of Homeland Security, conduct a study of the vulnerabilities of the Keystone XL pipeline to a terrorist attack and certify that necessary protections have been put in place." The amendment failed on May 22, 2013, with a vote of 176 - 239 and was largely along party lines.[17]

CISPA (2013)

Nay3.png DelBene voted in opposition of HR 624 - the CISPA (2013). The bill passed the House on April 18, 2013, with a vote of 288 - 127. The bill permitted federal intelligence agencies to share cybersecurity intelligence and information with private entities and utilities.[18] The bill was largely supported by Republicans, but divided the Democratic Party.[17]

Economy

Farm bill

Yea3.png On January 29, 2014, the U.S. House approved the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013, H.R. 2642, also known as the Farm Bill.[19] The bill passed by a vote of 251-166. The nearly 1,000-page bill reformed and continued various programs of the Department of Agriculture through 2018. The $1 trillion bill expanded crop insurance for farmers by $7 billion over the next decade and created new subsidies for rice and peanut growers that would kick in when prices drop.[20][21] However, cuts to the food stamp program cut an average of $90 per month for 1.7 million people in 15 states.[21] DelBene voted with 88 other Democratic representatives in favor of the bill.

2014 Budget

Yea3.png On January 15, 2014, the Republican-run House approved H.R. 3547, a $1.1 trillion spending bill to fund the government through September 30, 2014.[22][23] The House voted 359-67 for the 1,582 page bill, with 64 Republicans and three Democrats voting against the bill.[23] The omnibus package included 12 annual spending bills to fund federal operations.[24] It included a 1 percent increase in the paychecks of federal workers and military personnel, a $1 billion increase in Head Start funding for early childhood education, reduced funding to the Internal Revenue Service and the Environmental Protection Agency, and the protection of the Affordable Care Act from any drastic cuts. DelBene joined with the majority of the Democratic party and voted in favor of the bill.[22][23]

Government shutdown

See also: United States budget debate, 2013

Nay3.png On September 30, 2013, the House passed a final stopgap spending bill before the shutdown went into effect. The bill included a one-year delay of the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate and would have also stripped the bill of federal subsidies for congressional members and staff. It passed through the House with a vote of 228-201.[25] At 1 a.m. on October 1, 2013, one hour after the shutdown officially began, the House voted to move forward with going to a conference. In short order, Sen. Harry Reid rejected the call to conference.[26] DelBene voted against the stopgap spending bill that would have delayed the individual mandate.[27]

Yea3.png The shutdown ended on October 16, 2013, when the House took a vote on HR 2775 after it was approved by the Senate. The bill to reopen the government lifted the $16.7 trillion debt limit and funded the government through January 15, 2014. Federal employees also received retroactive pay for the shutdown period. The only concession made by Senate Democrats was to require income verification for Obamacare subsidies.[28] The House passed the legislation shortly after the Senate, by a vote of 285-144, with all 144 votes against the legislation coming from Republican members. DelBene voted for HR 2775.[29]

In a statement released October 1, 2013, DelBene said, “For as long as this unnecessary shutdown occurs, hundreds of thousands of public servants will be working without pay. When sequestration began earlier this year, I returned 8.2% of my salary back to the Treasury, and for the duration of this shutdown, I will return the remainder of my personal salary as well."[30]

Farm Bill

See also: United States Farm Bill 2013

Nay3.png DelBene voted against the July 11, 2013 Farm Bill. The bill passed in a 216-208 vote.[31] The bill passed included farm policy, but did not include food stamps.[32]

Immigration

Morton Memos Prohibition

Nay3.png DelBene voted against House Amendment 136 - Prohibits the Enforcement of the Immigration Executive Order. The amendment was adopted by the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 224 - 201. The purpose of the amendment as stated on the official text is to "prohibit the use of funds to finalize, implement, administer, or enforce the Morton Memos." These memos would have granted administrative amnesty to certain individuals residing in the United States without legal status.[33] The vote largely followed party lines.[34]

Healthcare

Repealing Obamacare

Nay3.png DelBene has voted against all attempts to repeal or delay the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.[35]

Endorsements

Suzan DelBene

DelBene was endorsed by the following people and organizations:

Media

Pedro Celis

"Pedro Celis for Congress."
  • In a YouTube video announcing his candidacy, Pedro Celis, an immigrant from Mexico, said, "In case you haven’t noticed, I’m the guy with the heavy accent." He then shared his story of success in America working for Microsoft. He blamed the government for interfering with the American Dream and said that the dream is not "as bright as it once was." He concluded by saying, "I love this country. I want it to be all that it can be. I want it always to be the land of freedom and equal opportunity." Celis also released a version of his video in Spanish.

Polls

General Election
Poll Suzan DelBene Pedro CelisNeitherDon't knowMargin of ErrorSample Size
Moore Information
October 10, 2014
 43%34%4%19%+/-6301
Note: A "0%" finding means the candidate was not a part of the poll. The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org

Campaign contributions

Suzan DelBene

Candidates for Congress were required to file up to seven main reports with the Federal Election Commission during the 2014 elections season. Below are DelBene's reports.[39]

Pedro Celis

Candidates for Congress were required to file up to seven main reports with the Federal Election Commission during the 2014 elections season. Below are Celis' reports.[45]

Ed Moats

Candidates for Congress were required to file up to seven main reports with the Federal Election Commission during the 2014 elections season. Below are Moats' reports.[47]

Ed Moats (2014) Campaign Finance Reports
ReportDate FiledBeginning BalanceTotal Contributions
for Reporting Period		ExpendituresCash on Hand
April Quarterly[48]April 15, 2014$0.00$868.37$(0.00)$868.37
Running totals
$868.37$(0)

District history

Candidate ballot access
Ballot Access Requirements Final.jpg
Find detailed information on ballot access requirements in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

2012

On November 6, 2012, Suzan DelBene (D) won election to the United States House. She defeated John Koster in the general election.

U.S. House, Washington District 1 General Election, 2012
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Democratic Green check mark transparent.pngSuzan DelBene 53.9% 177,025
     Republican John Koster 46.1% 151,187
Total Votes 328,212
Source: Washington Secretary of State "Official Election Results, 2012 General Election"

2010

On November 2, 2010, Jay Inslee won re-election to the United States House. He defeated James Watkins (R) in the general election.[49]

U.S. House, Washington District 1 General Election, 2010
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Democratic Green check mark transparent.pngJay Inslee incumbent 57.7% 172,642
     Republican James Watkins 42.3% 126,737
Total Votes 299,379

See also

External links

Footnotes

  1. ↑ Cook Political Report, "2014 HOUSE RACE RATINGS FOR AUGUST 1, 2014," accessed August 4, 2014
  2. ↑ Sabato's Crystal Ball, "2014 House Races," accessed August 4, 2014
  3. ↑ SCNow.com, "Microsoft a winner as its alumni seek local House seat," accessed September 10, 2014
  4. ↑ Roll Call, "2014 Election Race Ratings," accessed June 24, 2014
  5. ↑ NCSL, "State Primary Election Types," accessed October 3, 2024
  6. ↑ Washington Secretary of State, "Top 2 Primary: FAQs for Candidates," accessed October 3, 2024
  7. ↑ Washington Secretary of State Office, "Elections & Voting," accessed January 3, 2014
  8. ↑ United States Census Bureau, "Counties by Congressional Districts," accessed June 8, 2016
  9. ↑ Associated Press, "Washington - Summary Vote Results," accessed August 5, 2014
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 10.6 Washington.gov, "2014 Candidates Who Have Filed," accessed May 19, 2014
  11. ↑ Seattle Times, "Fellow Microsoft alum to run against DelBene for Congress," accessed March 1, 2014
  12. ↑ Washington.gov, "August 5, 2014 Primary Results," accessed September 10, 2014
  13. ↑ Herald Net, "Two Republicans emerge to challenge DelBene," accessed March 1, 2014
  14. ↑ Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, "DCCC Chairman Steve Israel Announces 2013-2014 Frontline Members," March 5, 2013
  15. ↑ The Washington Post, "House Republicans show California love with latest ‘Young Guns,’" June 10, 2014
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 16.4 Heraldnet.com, "3 Republican hopefuls seeking seat in 1st Congressional District," accessed July 2, 2014
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 Project Vote Smart, "Representative DelBene's Voting Records on National Security," accessed October 16, 2013
  18. ↑ The Library of Congress, "Bill Summary & Status - 113th Congress (2013 - 2014) - H.R.624," accessed August 27, 2013
  19. ↑ Clerk of U.S. House, "Roll Call Vote 31: H.R. 2642," accessed February 12, 2014
  20. ↑ Politico, "House clears farm bill," accessed February 12, 2014
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 NY Times, "Senate Passes Long-Stalled Farm Bill, With Clear Winners and Losers," accessed February 12, 2014
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 CNN.com, "House passes compromise $1.1 trillion budget for 2014," accessed January 20, 2014
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 23.2 U.S. House, "Roll Call Vote 21," accessed January 20, 2014
  24. ↑ Roll Call, "Omnibus Sails Through the Senate," January 16, 2014
  25. ↑ Clerk of the U.S. House, "Final vote results for Roll Call 504," accessed October 31, 2013
  26. ↑ Buzzfeed, "Government Shutdown: How We Got Here," accessed October 1, 2013
  27. ↑ Clerk of the U.S. House, "Final vote results for Roll Call 504," accessed October 31, 2013
  28. ↑ The Washington Post, "Reid, McConnell propose bipartisan Senate bill to end shutdown, extend borrowing," accessed October 16, 2013
  29. ↑ U.S. House, "Final vote results for Roll Call 550," accessed October 31, 2013
  30. ↑ Washington Post, "Which lawmakers will refuse their pay during the shutdown?" accessed October 2, 2013
  31. ↑ Vote Smart, "DelBene on agriculture," accessed October 16, 2013
  32. ↑ New York Times, "House Republicans Push Through Farm Bill, Without Food Stamps," accessed September 17, 2013
  33. ↑ The Library of Congress, "H.AMDT.136," accessed August 28, 2013
  34. ↑ Project Vote Smart, "Representative DelBene's Voting Records on Immigration," accessed October 16, 2013
  35. ↑ Project Vote Smart, "Representative DelBene's Voting Records on Issue: Health and Healthcare," accessed October 16, 2013
  36. ↑ Seattle Times, "Editorial: The Times recommends to return Suzan DelBene, District 1, and Rick Larsen, District 2, to Congress," July 13, 2014
  37. ↑ The Stranger, "Endorsements for the August Primary Election!" July 23, 2014
  38. ↑ 38.00 38.01 38.02 38.03 38.04 38.05 38.06 38.07 38.08 38.09 38.10 DelBene for Congress, "Endorsements," accessed July 16, 2014
  39. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "DelBene 2014 Summary reports," accessed August 1, 2013
  40. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "April Quarterly," accessed August 1, 2013
  41. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "July Quarterly," accessed August 1, 2013
  42. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "October Quarterly," accessed October 29, 2013
  43. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "Year-End Report," accessed February 18, 2014
  44. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "April Quarterly," accessed April 22, 2014
  45. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "Celis 2014 Summary reports," accessed June 24, 2014
  46. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "April Quarterly," accessed June 24, 2014
  47. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "Moats 2014 Summary reports," accessed May 7, 2014
  48. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "April Quarterly," accessed May 7, 2014
  49. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 2, 2010," accessed March 28, 2013
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