If Democrats could have picked one House GOP incumbent to retire in 2018, it would have been GOP Rep. Dave Reichert, who represents a suburban Seattle seat Hillary Clinton won by three points, but has cruised to reelection on the strength of his reputation as the former King County sheriff. Today, Democrats got their wish. Reichert's exit moves Washington's 8th District all the way from Likely Republican to the Toss Up column.



The district is no sure pickup for Democrats, because 2012 redistricting pushed it east across the Cascades to take in more Republicans. But in the past, Democrats have struggled to recruit credible candidates against Reichert. Now, the floodgates are likely to open. The bigger concern for House Republicans is that more well-regarded members from similar districts could head for the exits, making Democrats' path to the majority a lot more plausible.

Retirement of Rep. Dave Reichert (R) moves #WA08 from Likely Republican to Toss Up. @CookPolitical — Dave Wasserman (@Redistrict) September 6, 2017