WA GOP convention turns chaotic when delegates demand reversal of decision not to endorse

Shauna Sowersby
·2 min read
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Supporters of Republican gubernatorial candidate Misipati “Semi” Bird gathered in Spokane for the GOP’s state convention quickly pushed back on a decision by Washington state GOP leaders not to endorse a candidate for governor in the 2024 election.

Delegates’ objections prompted the party to reverse that decision within minutes.

Scenes from inside the Spokane convention center after the announcement were chaotic, with angry attendees shouting obscenities and booing at GOP officials. Officials tried to silence the room to no effect. Delegates then called for a vote to override the decision.

The leadership’s decision to not endorse a candidate had come as the result of a recent article published by The Seattle Times, according to GOP officials. The article revealed Bird’s previously unreported misdemeanor charge for grand larceny 30 years ago.

In an interview with reporters after the reversal, Bird said he was completely blindsided by GOP officials’ decision.

“That’s how they do business in the Washington State Republican Party,” Bird said.

Delegates at the Washington State GOP convention in Spokane shout down party officials after the announcement that they would not be endorsing a gubernatorial candidate.
Delegates at the Washington State GOP convention in Spokane shout down party officials after the announcement that they would not be endorsing a gubernatorial candidate.

Bird’s opponent Dave Reichert, who was not at the convention, was quick to post on social media after the announcement to not endorse any candidate was made.

“In the past 24 hours, it has become clear that some in the Washington State Republican Party are in such disarray that they’re considering making no endorsement for governor,” Reichert posted on Twitter. “This, after they continually changed rules, broke rules, and twisted the process to accomplish their desired outcome.”

“I am still seeking the endorsement of Republicans statewide and reconfirm my intention to fight for the state as a Republican all the way to November,” Reichert said.

Delegates at the convention then read Reichert’s statement out loud to the sound of cheers and applause.

“It’s never been like this before, this is all new, the whole thing is new,” said GOP Chairman Jim Walsh. “And that’s what people wanted, they wanted a real live convention so that’s what we got.”

Turnout at the GOP convention is the largest in state history, with 1,829 delegates, officials said.

Delegates are scheduled to vote to endorse candidates Saturday.

Washington governor candidate Semi Bird says ‘no excuse’ for financial crime