Michael Baumgartner has failed Washington’s 5th District. Every vote he has cast in Congress has prioritized the ultra-rich and corporate interests over the people of Eastern Washington. His actions make one thing clear: he’s not working for his constituents.
Baumgartner has made it clear he supports deep cuts to farm programs that Eastern Washington farmers rely on. While the 2025 Farm Support Bill has yet to receive a vote, his record shows he prioritizes corporate agribusiness over the small and family farms that drive the region’s economy. If he gets his way, local farmers will be left to struggle with rising costs and market instability without the support they need.
He also backs the privatization of the Veterans Administration services and slashing Medicare/Medicaid funding, which makes it harder for families in WA-05 to afford care. By favoring profit-driven insurance companies over his own constituents, he has ensured that healthcare costs will rise while coverage declines, especially in rural areas where access is already limited.
When it came to tax reform, Baumgartner supported massive cuts for the wealthiest Americans and large corporations while offering nothing meaningful for working people in his district. This 2025 Tax Reform Bill widens the gap between the rich and everyone else, further concentrating wealth in urban financial hubs far from Eastern Washington.
Baumgartner also voted for the Deregulation Act of 2025, which weakens environmental protections and financial oversight. This benefits Wall Street and big industries but puts Eastern Washington’s land, water, and economy at risk. By removing safeguards, he’s putting short-term corporate profits over the long-term health of his own district.
Education is another area where Baumgartner has failed his constituents. He voted against Student Debt Relief, refusing to ease the financial burden on young people trying to build a future. Instead of investing in the next generation, he chose to protect banks profiting off student loans.
His campaign finance records tell the same story. He is funded by corporate PACs and wealthy donors who do not live in Eastern Washington. His votes reflect their interests, not those of the families, workers, and farmers who actually live in WA-05.
Baumgartner built his reputation in the Washington State Senate by talking about infrastructure and education. But in Congress, his voting record shows that his priorities have changed. Instead of fighting for Eastern Washington, he is serving the ultra-rich and powerful.
His constituents deserve better. They deserve a representative who will fight for their farms, their healthcare, their schools, and their future—not just for the wealthiest Americans who don’t even live here.
The people of WA-05 are watching. If Baumgartner continues down this path, he should not expect their support in the next election.
