Newhouse, Dan

Dan Newhouse is a Republican representative from Washington's 4th congressional district who has served in the House since 2015. As chair of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Forestry and Horticulture, he leads the panel responsible for policies relating to forestry, national forests, horticulture including fruits, vegetables, nuts and ornamentals, bees, and organic agriculture. The subcommittee chair position carries significant power to shape agricultural policy and advance legislation through the committee process.

Newhouse brings substantial agricultural expertise to his role. A third-generation Yakima Valley farmer with a degree in agricultural economics from Washington State University, he previously served four terms in the Washington State House of Representatives from 2003 to 2009 and as director of the Washington State Department of Agriculture from 2009 to 2013. His background in farming and agricultural administration directly aligns with his committee responsibilities.

Newhouse was selected as subcommittee chair in February 2026 following the passing of the previous chair, Doug LaMalfa. He has focused on advancing the Farm Bill and supporting working lands and specialty crop producers. His legislative priorities reflect his district's interests, including bills addressing organic produce demand, public lands protection, and forestry issues. He also serves on the House Appropriations Committee and the Select Committee on Strategic Competition with China, and co-chairs multiple agricultural caucuses including the Organic Caucus and Food Waste Caucus.

Newhouse has established himself as a pragmatic conservative willing to work across party lines. He was among ten House Republicans who voted to impeach President Trump during the second impeachment in 2021 and voted to establish the January 6 commission. He has also supported bipartisan measures on issues ranging from same-sex marriage to immigration policy, positioning himself as a moderate voice within the Republican caucus.