House Conference Chair Stefanik endorses Joe Kent in Washington House race

House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik on Wednesday endorsed Republican Joe Kent's bid to represent Washington's Third Congressional District.

Kent previously ran in 2022, edging out then-incumbent Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Wash., in the open primary, though he ultimately lost the general election to Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez.

"I am proud to endorse Joe Kent for Congress to represent the people of Washington. A combat veteran, Joe is committed to securing our borders, lowering costs for working families, and bringing jobs back to America," Stefanik wrote in a press release.

Kent, in turn, thanked the New York Republican, saying "I am honored to receive the endorsement of Chairwoman Elise Stefanik."

"Her leadership and commitment to our party's principles are inspiring, and I look forward to working with her to advance our shared goals. Together, we will fight to secure our borders, support working families, and bring jobs back to America," he concluded.

Washington holds open primaries for the House of Representatives in which the top two vote getters, regardless of party, advance to the general election. The primary is scheduled for Aug. 6.