NEWS: Mainstream Republicans meet in Issaquah May 29-31 for annual Cascade Conference
For immediate release: Contact:
April 28, 2026 Deanna Martinez – (509) 760-3608
Mainstream Republicans meet in Issaquah May 29-31 for annual Cascade Conference
Utah Governor Spencer Cox and Vermont Lieutenant Governor John Rodgers are featured speakers at the annual Cascade Conference sponsored by the Mainstream Republicans of Washington May 29 through May 31 in Issaquah.
Other highlights of this year’s conference include the first debate of the season in this year’s race for Congress from Washington’s 4th District and presentations from candidates in this year’s races for the state Supreme Court. The three-day gathering will take place at the Hilton Garden Inn, 1800 NW Gilman Road in Issaquah, starting Friday evening on May 29.
“This year we’re bringing the conference back to the central Puget Sound area, and there is no more appropriate place for it,” said Mainstream Republicans Chair Deanna Martinez. “The suburbs of King, Pierce and Snohomish counties are the perennial battlefield of Washington politics. By taking our message where it is needed the most, we help demonstrate that thoughtful Republican leadership offers an antidote to the damaging policies we see on the state level today.”
Mainstream Republicans of Washington and its affiliated organizations are dedicated to promoting electable Republican candidates who believe in good government, responsible policy development and positions that appeal to the majority of Washington voters. The annual Cascade Conference, held since 1969, features presentations about Republican candidates and strategies and emerging issues in state politics.
To register for the conference, go to www.washingtonmainstream.org/cascadeconference2026. A final schedule is still being finalized and will be released when available.
John Rodgers of Vermont will deliver an in-person keynote address at the evening banquet on Saturday, May 30. Rodgers switched his party affiliation in 2024 and was elected Vermont lieutenant governor as a “red wave” swept one of the nation’s bluest states. Republicans also made major gains at the Vermont statehouse. Rodgers will discuss lessons for Washington.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox will be luncheon speaker Saturday and will address the group via Zoom. Cox is a former chair of the National Governor’s Association and an advocate for moderation, bipartisanship and civility in politics.
Friday evening events include a faceoff between leading Republican contenders this year in Central Washington’s 4th Congressional District, where Congressman Dan Newhouse will be stepping down after 12 years in office. State Sen. Matt Boehnke of Kennewick will join Yakima County Commissioner Amanda McKinney in a debate moderated by Scott Greenstone, political reporter for KUOW radio in Seattle.
Panel discussions are planned on housing and construction issues, public safety, statewide judicial races and the state business climate.
Sam Reed, former secretary of state and Cascade Conference co-founder, said this year’s program highlights opportunities for Republican gains. “These have been difficult times for the Republican Party in this state,” he said. “Our conference agenda focuses on what we can do to regain our momentum. There are many reasons for us to be optimistic about the future as we look to rebuild.”
The conference will be taped for later replay by TVW, the state’s public affairs television network, and will be available for viewing online. Reporters seeking press credentials to cover the conference should contact Mainstream Republicans of Washington Program Director Erin McCoy at erinm@washingtonmainstream.org or at (509) 688-9551.