Baumgartner toasts to Trump as his re-election campaign starts with big fund-raising lead
The race for Congress is underway, and Spokane’s Republican incumbent, U.S. Rep. Michael Baumgartner, has a head start.
Raising a glass to President Donald Trump and many others, Baumgartner on Monday kicked off Baumtoberfest, his annual campaign fundraising dinner, at the German American Society’s Deutsches Haus in downtown Spokane.
Baumgartner has raised, by far, the most money among candidates for his seat with a little over $1 million, according to the Federal Election Commission . Democrat Carmela Conroy, who also faced Baumgartner in 2024, is next, having raised over $220,000.
Baumgartner raised his glass and made 10 toasts, including to veterans; his wife, Eleanor; his children; Trump; the end of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s governorship; better governance in Washington state; tax cuts in Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill; candidates running for office; candidates running against him; and victims of terrorism.
The crowd of roughly 150 people packed in the dining room cheered at the end of each toast. Among other local Republican politicians in attendance were former Spokane Mayor Nadine Woodward; former Spokane City Councilman Jonathan Bingle, who is running for a state House seat; and Spokane City Councilman Michael Cathcart.
Baumgartner called Monday a “sad day” for the state after Gov. Bob Ferguson signed into law a tax on income over $1 million starting in 2029.
Baumgartner also called the nationwide “No Kings” rallies over the weekend, including in Spokane, “ridiculous.”
“Donald Trump is the furthest thing from a king,” Baumgartner told the crowd. “What he is is the duly elected constitutional president of these United States, and he’s doing an outstanding job for this country.”
The former Washington state senator and Spokane County treasurer is serving his first term in Washington’s 5th Congressional District.
So far, eight candidates have filed to run against Baumgartner for his seat, according to the Federal Election Commission. They include Democrats Conroy, David Womack, Anthony Whisenhunt, Bajun Mavalwalla and Kevin Fagan, as well as independents Aaron Croft, Ann Marie Danimus and Nate Powell.
“We got a tough election in front of us this year, but with your help, we’re gonna win,” Baumgartner said. “We’re gonna save this state, and we’re gonna save this wonderful republic.”
Republican U.S. Rep. Brad Knott made the trip from North Carolina to serve as the event’s keynote speaker.
The freshman congressman and former prosecutor praised Baumgartner.
“He is firm in his convictions, he has been all over the world serving this great country, he has very refined intellect that can match any liberal on the other side of the aisle point-for-point, regardless of the policy,” Knott said. “And despite his enriched resume on every level, he could not be more passionate about right here. He loves you all.”
Knott called Baumgartner “a tremendous example” to him.
“He’s a tremendous asset for the country,” Knott said. “And hear it from my lip to your ear, you have a tremendous representative in Washington.”