Will House Democrats Fix This?

This year, three journalists – Brandi Kruse, Ari Hoffman, and Jonathan Choe – with a history of reporting on the Washington State Legislature, were denied House press passes.

On Feb. 9, U.S. Representatives Dan Newhouse and Michael Baumgartner sent a letter to the Speaker of the House urging the majority to provide press access to all journalists, regardless of the “views, thoughts, or words in their coverage.”

That same week, House Republicans announced they would be providing access to any journalist, regardless of political affiliation or ideology, who is denied press access to the House floor, ensuring continued transparency on the decisions being made in Olympia.

“Republicans believe the public has a right to know what is happening in the people’s House,” said House Republican Leader Drew Stokesbary, R-Auburn. “Transparency and accountability aren’t partisan values — they are foundational to representative government. At a time when people believe democracy is on the line, we believe the answer is more sunlight, not less.”

Under the new House Republican policy, any journalist denied floor credentials by House Administration will be granted access to observe legislative proceedings from the Republican side of the wings when the House is in session and participate in legislative Republicans’ weekly news conferences.

House Republican news release: https://drewstokesbary.houserepublicans.wa.gov/2026/02/10/house-republicans-open-floor-access-to-journalists-denied-press-credentials

U.S. Reps. Newhouse and Michael Baumgartner news release: https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-calls-state-house-speaker-reissue-press-passes-independent