FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 28, 2024
Contact: press@wa-democrats.org

Reichert has falsely claimed he can’t legally change WA laws as governor.

Seattle, WA – For over a decade, MAGA Republican Dave Reichert repeatedly voted to ban abortion and restrict access to birth control. He even told his supporters earlier this year how they could “unravel” abortion access in Washington during his first town hall hosted by Firmly Planted Action, an extremist group that wants to “END ABORTION once and for all.”

Now, not only is Reichert lying about his well-documented voting record, but he’s falsely claimed he wouldn’t be able to change the state’s laws protecting reproductive freedom. Voters should not be fooled.

Here are just a few ways Reichert could restrict Washingtonians’ reproductive freedom if elected governor:

• Stacking the Judiciary with Anti-Choice Extremists: From publicly stating, “There’s no secret” that he’s pro-life to telling his supporters that he “love[s] Donald Trump’s policies,” Reichert has given every indication he would appoint anti-abortion judges that would have the power to overturn laws protecting reproductive rights.
• Refusing to Use Executive Action to Protect Reproductive Rights: In the face of a MAGA Supreme Court, Governor Jay Inslee has taken action to protect reproductive freedom, including stockpiling abortion medication and preparing to protect patients and health care providers ahead of this year’s EMTALA case. Considering Reichert’s voting record and extreme beliefs, it’s safe to expect he would not do the same.  
• Vetoing Legislation to Protect and Expand Abortion Access: Just because abortion is legal doesn’t mean it’s accessible. As rural, low-income, and BIPOC communities continue to face barriers to care, the legislature and governor have the ability to not just protect but expand reproductive care. The legislative branch can also maintain or increase funding for affordable abortion services, including for organizations like Planned Parenthood. Based on what Reichert told his supporters in April, he would quickly veto this critical funding.
• Appointing Abortion Opponents to the Executive Branch: Several state agency directors, including the Washington State Department of Health, are appointed by the governor. This means Reichert, who believes life begins at conception and has spent his career opposing reproductive rights, can appoint extremists who share his views to oversee the implementation of laws, impacting access to life-saving reproductive care.

“Voters cannot trust Dave Reichert to protect our fundamental rights – including the freedom to make decisions about our own bodies – and all you have to do is look at his abysmal record to know that,” said Shasti Conrad, chair of the WA State Democrats. “Leaders across Washington have worked too hard to protect and expand abortion access, and we aren’t going to let shady politicians like Reichert take us back.”

To learn more about the real Reichert, visit ReichertRevealed.com.

The Washington State Democratic Party is committed to advancing progressive policy, empowering the grassroots, and ensuring Democratic victories up and down the ballot. Chair of the Washington Democrats, Shasti Conrad, is the first Indian-American woman to chair a major state party.

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