Herrera Beutler faces new Republican challengers over Trump impeachment vote

Two Republicans have formally informed the Federal Election Commission they plan to run against Republican Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler, who represents the 3rd Congressional District in Southwest Washington.

One of the challengers is a veteran named Joe Kent, who said he's running because Herrera Beutler "voted for the impeachment of President Trump against the will of the people of this district."

In an announcement on Youtube, Kent appeared to be tacking to Herrera Beutler's right.

"We're located between two failing Democrat-run cities, Olympia and Portland. If we don't act now our great district will become nothing but a suburb of those two failed cities," he said.

Herrera Beutler's vote to impeach Former President Donald Trump a second time helped send the case to the U.S. Senate for trial. She also stated that Trump seemed pleased by the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol, describing a phone call between Trump and House Minority leader Kevin McCarthy that led to a shouting match.

"He said, 'Well Kevin, I guess they’re just more upset about the election theft than you are'," Herrera Beutler said.

Another challenger who has filed paperwork with the FEC is Wadi Yakhour, who previously worked on the Trump campaign in 2016 and went on to work in the Trump administration.

Party officials in the 3rd Congressional District tell KUOW more Republican candidates are expected to enter the primary in a bid for Herrera Beutler's seat.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.