Abell Announces 2026 Reelection Campaign, Citing Taxes, Rural Values as Key Issues

The Republican from Inchelium said in a March 20 social media announcement that the state is “at a crossroads,” contrasting what he described as increasing taxes and regulatory pressure with an alternative focused on affordability, competitiveness and protection of rural lifestyles.

“On one hand, we can choose to make Washington less affordable and competitive, and more hostile to traditional values and rural way of life,” Abell wrote. “On the other hand, we can stop the relentless drive for tax increases, ever-increasing regulatory creep, and hostility toward traditional values that emanates out of Olympia today.”

Abell, who has served just over a year in a two-year term, pointed to several accomplishments during his term, including passage of four bills aimed at supporting veterans and rural communities. He also referenced his involvement in a record-setting 24-and-a-half-hour floor debate over a proposed state income tax and opposition to expanding the powers of the Attorney General’s Office.

“We’ve accomplished a lot together,” Abell wrote. “But I need your help to keep doing so.”

The lawmaker emphasized priorities including lowering taxes, defending Second Amendment rights, and supporting vulnerable populations, while signaling an expectation of a competitive race.

“The other side doesn’t like that,” he wrote. “I fully expect them to come after me with everything they have.”