Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Rob Chase

A candidate for House Pos. 2, Legislative District 4 (Spokane Valley) in the 2020 Washington General Election, Nov. 3

Party: Republican

Age: 70

Education: Graduated from Kellogg High School in 1972. Graduated from Eastern Washington University in 1990 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, operations management.

Work experience: Is semiretired, but has recently worked as a U.S. Census Bureau enumerator and security guard for Phoenix Protective Corps in Spokane Valley. Worked as an expeditor with Haakon Industries based in Cheney from 2006 to 2007. Held mortgage origination and real estate licenses. Served in U.S. Army Reserves from 1972-78.

Political experience: Elected as a state representative in 2020. Served one term and lost his re-election bid in 2022. Elected Spokane County treasurer in 2010 and 2014. Republican Party precinct committee officer. Ran unsuccessfully for state Senate in 2000, U.S. House in 2002 and Spokane County Commissioner in 2012 and 2018. Served as Eastern Washington coordinator for Ron Paul for President in 2008 and 2012 and Eastern Washington coordinator for Clint Didier’s 2010 Senate campaign.

Family: Married to Chris Chase and has four children.

Campaign contributions: Has raised nearly $4,000 as of Sept. 26. Notable donors include former Spokane County GOP Chairwoman Cindy Zapotocky, attorney Marshall Casey, Spokane County Republican Party Vice Chair MJ Bolt and Duane Alton, a prolific donor to conservative politicians and causes who founded Alton’s Tires.

Contact information

Race Results

Candidate Votes Pct
Rob Chase (R) 55,124 62.16%
Lance Gurel (D) 33,554 37.84%

Details & headlines

Related Coverage

Spin Control: New attempt at 51st state has about as much chance as old one

Like a Arnold Schwarzenegger in a Terminator movie, the proposal to split Washington at the Cascade Crest and create a new state out of the eastern half has returned to the Legislature.

New state Rep. Rob Chase hires former Spokane County GOP chairwoman who resigned after defending white nationalist

Newly elected state Rep. Rob Chase, R-Liberty Lake, has hired former Spokane County Republican Party Chair Cecily Wright as his legislative assistant. Wright resigned from her position at the Spokane County Republican Party in 2018 after a video surfaced of her defending a white nationalist.

Republicans Padden, Chase and McCaslin sail to victory in 4th District

Voters in the 4th Legislative District once again backed Republicans, but will have one new representative in Olympia.

Candidates, debate venues found new ways to connect with voters as COVID-19 restrictions continue

As candidates opportunities to meet voters shrunk over the pandemic, both debate venues and candidates themselves got creative to find ways to still connect with voters during the pandemic. 

4th district candidates Lance Gurel, Rob Chase disagree on almost everything, especially COVID-19 and science

Lance Gurel and Rob Chase, the two men running to replace outgoing state Rep. Matt Shea, disagree on almost every issue, whether it’s requiring people to wear a mask, how to fund state government, or whether it’s responsible to share conspiracy theories online.

Primary shows Rep. Matt Shea remains big influence in GOP politics in Spokane Valley

While Matt Shea isn’t running for re-election, his influence can still be felt throughout Spokane Valley’s 4th Legislative District.

Bob McCaslin, Rob Chase will take on Democrats in 4th; Mike Padden tops Senate primary

The first night of results show voters in the 4th Legislative District still support Republicans who have aligned themselves with controversial state Rep. Matt Shea over moderate challengers. 

4 run for open Spokane Valley seat in state House

The four candidates running to fill an open seat representing Spokane Valley in the state House of Representatives don’t agree on much, though they all acknowledge the state’s ailing budget will require aid.

4th District candidates scramble after Shea decides not to run

Spokane County’s 4th Legislative District is a reliably Republican stronghold that typically does not draw a crowd of aspiring candidates. But as with so many other things, 2020 has proved atypical.

Postponed events, virtual outreach: Coronavirus disrupts campaign for region’s congressional seat

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers postponed her traditional campaign kickoff in the district last month, while Democratic challenger Chris Armitage has shifted to online outreach in his upset bid in the November election. Rob Chase, the latest entry into the contest, said he hopes to resume normal campaigning this summer.