Mr. Speaker, I believe that every Member of Congress claims to have the most beautiful and wonderful district in the country, but I know it with the Fifth District of Washington State and the good people of eastern Washington. Over the last break, I had the opportunity to do a 12-county and 12- day whistle-stop tour across my district, and I want to share with the good Members of Congress and the people of America what I learned. Mr.
2026 MidtermsSafe SeatR+21R shift +2$1.0M raised
Michael Baumgartner
Representative · Washington · Republican
Michael Baumgartner
House Floor
Recent comments in the House
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to note the passing of a great American, a great patriot, and a friend, Mr. Wes Anderson of Spokane, Washington. Wes was known across the communities of Spokane County for his exemplary service to fellow veterans who knew him best as ``Doc.'' Wes was a lifelong Spokanite whose life was defined by service, first in Vietnam where he served as a hospital corpsman and later across our communities where he had time for every veteran.
Biography
Michael Baumgartner, a former diplomat and combat veteran, was elected to represent Washington’s 6th District in the State Senate in 2010. Baumgartner has focused on budget reform, higher education affordability, and veterans’ issues, drawing on his international experience and military service. He chaired the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee and sponsored legislation to expand college access for Washington students. Baumgartner approaches public service with a results-oriented mindset, aiming to address his district’s needs through pragmatic solutions and bipartisan collaboration.
Professional History
U.S. Representative
2025–PresentRepresented Washington's 5th congressional district for 1 term.
Spokane County Treasurer
2019–2025Elected Spokane County treasurer in 2018 and took office in January 2019, serving until his election to Congress.
State Senator, Washington 6th Legislative District
2011–2019Served in the Washington State Senate representing the 6th district, including parts of Spokane, Airway Heights, and Cheney.
Economics Officer, U.S. Embassy Baghdad
2007–2008Served during the Iraq War in the Office of Joint Strategic Planning & Assessment, helping the Iraqi government as part of the Baghdad Security Plan.
Civilian Contractor, Helmand Province, Afghanistan
2008Worked for seven months encouraging poppy farmers to shift to food crops as part of counternarcotics efforts.
Policy Focus
International Affairs33%
Sports and Recreation17%
Native Americans8%
Education8%
Notable Legislation
Key legislative actions from Michael Baumgartner's record in Congress.
Higher Education Reform
Sponsored legislation to freeze tuition at Washington’s public universities, improving college affordability for students.
Veterans' Support
Championed measures to expand in-state tuition eligibility for veterans and their families in Washington.
Medical Marijuana Regulation
Co-sponsored legislation to regulate medical marijuana dispensaries and clarify legal protections for patients.
Budget Transparency
Advocated for and helped pass reforms requiring earlier release of state budget proposals to increase transparency.
Committee Assignments
View details →- House Committee on Education and Workforce
- House Committee on the Judiciary
- House Committee on Foreign Affairs
Rep. Michael Baumgartner FAQ
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