Joe Kent, running for Congress in Washington State’s 3rd District, was on the WarRoom program on Friday and told host Peter Navarro that he is gearing up for a highly contested race, bolstered by what he describes as a significant shift in support from the Republican Party.

During a conversation with Navarro, Kent detailed the challenges of his previous campaign and emphasized the newfound unity within the party as a critical factor that positions him better for success this time around.

Reflecting on his 2022 campaign, Kent pointed to financial and organizational hurdles that he believes cost him the election. “At this time in 2022, I was flat broke,” he explained, noting that his campaign had been in debt after an expensive primary race.

Despite these challenges, Kent managed to lose by less than one percentage point. “We didn’t get any help then, really, from Washington, D.C.,” Kent lamented, highlighting the lack of support from national Republican leadership as a significant impediment.

However, the situation has dramatically changed for the 2024 campaign. Kent described a much more supportive environment this time around, attributing this to a more unified Republican Party and increased backing from key figures.

“We had a really unified Republican party going through the primary,” Kent said. He emphasized that after the primary, his main opponent immediately endorsed him, signaling strong internal party support.

A key figure in this shift is Speaker Mike Johnson, who Kent said personally came out to the district to show his support. “Speaker Johnson just came out to the district and lent his personal support,” Kent shared, underscoring the importance of this endorsement. Johnson’s commitment, according to Kent, goes beyond mere words. “He said that he’d be behind us 100%,” Kent recounted, indicating that Johnson’s backing could bring crucial resources and visibility to his campaign.

In addition to Speaker Johnson, Kent mentioned the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) and its chairman, Richard Hudson, as pivotal supporters. “So far, the NRCC has been great,” Kent noted, pointing out that both Hudson and Johnson are “dedicated to flipping this seat.”

This support marks a significant contrast from the previous election cycle, where Kent felt largely abandoned by the party’s national apparatus.

Kent’s optimism also stems from the resources now at his disposal, which he believes will enable him to more effectively challenge his opponent, incumbent Marie Gluesenkamp Perez. “This is a luxury I didn’t have in 2022,” he said, referring to the ability to call out Perez’s voting record and her alignment with what he describes as “the radical left.” With the increased funding and strategic support, Kent plans to expose his opponent’s positions on issues such as inflation, crime, and border security, which he believes are out of step with the district’s voters.

Kent’s comments reveal his belief that Republican unity is not just a slogan but a practical force that can tip the scales in critical races like his. “We’re going to be able to expose just how radical she is on inflation, on the border, crime, protection of our kids, endless wars—the list goes on,” Kent said, outlining his strategy to leverage his party’s newfound cohesion against his opponent.

Despite his optimism, Kent is under no illusions about the challenge ahead. He acknowledges that his opponent is well-funded and warns against complacency. “I got outspent six to one last time,” Kent reminded listeners, highlighting the financial disparity he still faces. However, with a current campaign fund close to $2 million and expectations for more outside support, Kent feels more prepared than ever.

Kent’s candidacy for Washington State’s 3rd Congressional District showcases the power of Republican unity in action. With key endorsements and a more cohesive party behind him, Kent is better positioned to win this critical seat and bring what he describes as “common sense” solutions to Washington, D.C. This newfound support could be the decisive factor in a race that is crucial for the Republican Party’s hopes of securing a majority in Congress.

For more context, watch the full Friday WarRoom segment featuring Joe Kent:

Joe Kent: Democrats’ “Goal Is To Hold The House So That They Can Not Certify The Election”