The state affiliate of the national United States Republican Party, the Washington State Republican Party is headquartered in Bellevue, WA. It was founded in the 19^th century and in 1889, the Party won its first election for governor and scored majorities in both chambers of the inaugural state legislature. In the early days of statehood, Republican policies were advanced by the party-connected Seattle Post-Intelligencer and, later, by the Seattle Republican.

When it comes to the Modern Era, the Republican Revolution of 1994 contributed to the party’s efforts of getting ahead, candidates being able to score an unprecedented six of the state's nine seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Today, the Washington State Republican Party controls two of the eight partisan statewide offices while holding four of the state's 10 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. When it comes to the Washington State Senate, a coalition of 24 Republicans and 1 conservative hold a majority. However, Republicans would not have a Senate majority without the vote of the 1 Democrat.

According to the Party’s Bylaws the Purpose of the Washington Republican State Committee:

1. To elect Republicans to public office,

2. To attract voters and volunteers to the Republican Party,

3. To lead, contribute, and participate in the establishment of a Republican Party organization that is an effective vehicle for setting public policy,

4. To fulfill those functions conferred on it by state law, and

5. To plan, organize, administer, and finance the State Committee’s operations to accomplish the other stated purposes.

Party Duties:

The State Committee shall:

1. Elect the State Chairman and Vice Chairman, and the National Committeeman and National Committeewoman,

2. Ratify the election of Congressional District representatives to the Executive Board,

3. Approve the annual political, fund-raising, and budget plans,

4. Supervise the timely accomplishment of the political and fund-raising programs and budget plans,

5. Fill vacancies on the ticket as the RCW directs,

6. Issue the call to the Convention,

7. Consider properly presented resolutions and motions,

 8. Take such other actions as are provided for in these Bylaws or in state law,

 9. Have sole authority, within the budget, to approve the purchase or disposal of real property.

Leadership

Caleb Heimlich - WSRP Chairman

Born and raised in Puyallup, WA, Caleb Heimlich is currently the youngest State Republican Party Chairman in the country. He was home-educated and part of a family with 8 children, him being the third child. After graduating Hillsdale College Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Political Economy, he worked for Americans for Prosperity in Washington DC and then for AFP in Washington State organizing grass roots activists.

Next, Caleb hired as the Political Director of the WSRP in 2011, promoted to Executive Director in 2013 with the additional title of Chief of Staff in 2016. Only two years later, he succeeded to be elected as Chairman of the State Republican Party, a victory achieved with over 70% of the vote. Caleb is also a PCO, serving as a district leader for two years and is a donor and a volunteer.

“Known for his integrity, hard work and intelligence, Caleb Heimlich has dedicated his life to serving people through politics.”

Jeff Kent - WSRP National Committeeman

Fredi Simpson - WSRP National Committeewoman

Grant Peterson - WSRP Vice Chairman

Andrea Innes - WSRP Secretary

Washington GOP Platform

Adopted and approved on May 21, 2016 at Pasco, Washington the Party’s current Platform addresses several issues.

Here are a few noteworthy sections:

Preamble

“The Washington State Republican Party is dedicated to preserving a constitutional republic through active participation by citizens for the protection and preservation of conservative values including: the sanctity and dignity of human life; religious freedom; personal rights and responsibility; preserving a free society, free markets, and free trade; limited government; low taxes; minimal bureaucracy; national security and sovereignty; and private property rights. We believe that good citizenship begins with protected rights and ends with accompanying responsibilities. We believe that government should be the last resort for individuals and do only those necessary things that they cannot do for themselves.”

We believe CIVIL and RELIGIOUS LIBERTY protect the sovereignty of the individual citizen.

“Civil and religious liberties recognized in the U.S. Constitution are God-given and therefore unalienable. These fundamental liberties are proclaimed in The Declaration of Independence, protected in The Bill of Rights and reaffirmed in Article I of the Washington State Constitution, which include the freedom of association and the absolute freedom of conscience. It is the obligation of government at every level to observe, respect and secure these liberties.”

We believe LIMITED GOVERNMENT is essential to a free society.

“Our Founders created a Constitution of limited and enumerated powers, underscored by the passage of the Tenth Amendment. We uphold strict compliance with the constitutional limitation of the federal and state governments and believe limiting the role of government is essential toward building economic prosperity and fostering individual freedom.

Recognizing that at least seven states have already passed legislation making such a call, we support the call for a Convention of States, per Article V of the U.S. Constitution, limited to proposing amendments that: impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and limit the terms of office for its officials and for members of Congress.”

We believe that upholding our RULE OF LAW and JUSTICE is based upon our Constitution and Judeo-Christian heritage. This recognizes that LIBERTY and INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY best protect and promote a moral and just society.

“Laws should reduce and deter crime through the application of strong and appropriate punishment, up to and including the use of the death penalty. They should deter recidivism, require offenders to pay restitution, with the goal of reintegrating offenders back into society as productive citizens.”

We believe that NATIONAL SECURITY is a central function of government and that a STRONG AMERICA is a free America.

“A strong national defense is necessary for government to fulfill its primary function which is protecting its citizens and their individual rights. The security of our nation is the responsibility of government, military, law enforcement and a vigilant public. Peace comes through strength and deterrence.

A strong America is a force for good at home and abroad. Republicans support and honor the past and continuing service of all veterans and members of the United States’ armed forces and the Washington State National Guard.”