U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Camas, secured her fourth term in Congress on Tuesday night.
“I’m grateful,” Herrera Beutler said at a Republican gathering at Summit Grove Lodge near La Center. “You never take it for granted.”
The first general election returns showed she captured 58.8 percent of the votes to Democratic challenger Jim Moeller’s 41 percent districtwide. In Clark County, she got 56.8 percent of the initial ballots.
Herrera Beutler said she would use her fourth term to continue to focus on economic prosperity and ensuring Southwest Washingtonians have access to good jobs.
The congresswoman has long criticized the Affordable Care Act and said she would continue to push for its repeal as part of health care reforms. With a Republican in the White House and the GOP controlling both the Senate and the House, Republicans could finally act on their calls to repeal the health care act.
“Voters are making these decisions knowing it’s a top priority. They are sending the message they want this done,” Herrera Beutler said.
During redistricting in 2011, the 3rd Congressional District was redrawn to give Republicans relative political security in the district that encompasses Clark County and much of Southwest Washington.
Herrera Beutler confirmed on Tuesday she wrote in Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan’s name for president. She denounced Donald Trump after his crude comments made about women in 2005 became public.
But, she said she will work with him, if Trump works toward repealing Obama’s health care program, curbing rules and regulations, and making changes to the tax code.
“There won’t be a greater ally in Congress than me on those policy issues,” she said.
Moeller, a liberal Democrat, criticized Herrera Beutler for her efforts to repeal Obama’s Affordable Care Act and for not hosting traditional town hall meetings.
Moeller served eight years on the Vancouver City Council before being elected in 2002 to a 49th Legislative District seat in the House. As speaker pro tempore, Moeller held a powerful position, often presiding over the House.
Moeller could not be reached for comment Tuesday night.
