A familiar face in Longview politics, former state representative and school board member JD Rossetti, has begun exploring an independent bid for Washington’s 3rd Congressional District. In a move drawing regional attention, Rossetti identified concerns like cost‑of‑living pressures, housing, healthcare access, rural economic stability, public safety, and constitutional accountability as core issues in his outreach across Clark, Cowlitz, Wahkiakum, Pacific, Skamania, Lewis, and Thurston counties.

Rossetti described his current phase as a “listening phase,” signaling he has not yet officially declared candidacy—but he is clearly testing the waters. In announcing his exploratory moves, he cited an opinion piece he authored titled “A Vote for ‘Stability’ That Undermines Southwest Washington,” in which he voiced alarm over Department of Homeland Security funding absent adequate civil‑liberties protections. Advocating for the abolition of ICE, Rossetti proposed replacing it with an immigration system built on due process, transparency, and humanitarian standards.

This potential independent run sets up a three‑way contest in the 3rd District. Incumbent Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez holds the seat, while Republican State Senator John Braun and Democrat Brent Hennrich have already announced their candidacies.

This development matters markedly for Cowlitz County and neighboring counties. WA‑03 has been a swing district since Democrat Perez flipped it in 2022, edging out Trump‑backed Joe Kent by less than one point. In 2024 she secured reelection amid tight margins and a volatile political climate, balancing progressive causes with bipartisan appeal on issues like border security and rural infrastructure.

Rossetti’s entrance offers a new dynamic. As an independent, he could fracture votes on both sides of the political spectrum—particularly among voters frustrated with partisan gridlock. His advocacy for constitutional accountability and civil liberties aligns with our publication’s pro‑Constitution, left‑libertarian ethos.

For Longview and Cowlitz County, Rossetti’s platform—if it gains traction—could reshape political alignments and priorities, emphasizing community‑centered governance and personal freedoms. His outreach across rural and small‑town communities underscores his appeal to locals concerned about economic hardship, public safety, housing instability, and representative democracy.

As JD Rossetti continues engaging with voters and gauging support, WA‑03 may become even more unpredictable in the lead‑up to the 2026 election. Insurgent bids like this have the power to disrupt entrenched partisan strategies and force critical discussions about how best to serve Southwest Washington’s working families.

Sources
Classic Hits 100.7 KLOG News: Former 19th District State Representative Looking to Join 3rd Congressional District Race
Associated Press via Washington State Standard: Gluesenkamp Perez defeats Kent, holding WA congressional seat for Democrats