The Seattle Times editorial board recommends: Adam Smith for the 9th Congressional District

Rep. Adam Smith has represented the 9th Congressional District for 27 years as a Democrat. During those years he has demonstrated sound judgment — and candidness — in representing the interests of his constituents. He deserves to be reelected.

But his recent comments on President Joe Biden’s fitness to serve another term after a dismal performance during the first debate with former President Donald Trump angered some Biden supporters and party loyalists. Still, that’s what you get with Smith: He speaks his mind, like it or not.

“It was my obligation as a leader to say what I honestly think,” Smith told The Times editorial board.

“The debate just crystallized concerns I had for some time about the president’s ability to make the case. Joe Biden has done a great job as president. Our economy is better than any post-COVID economy in the world. He united the world to confront (Russia President Vladimir) Putin in Ukraine. I think we’ve got a great message. I just felt that President Biden is no longer capable of delivering that message.” 

Vice President Kamala Harris would be Smith’s choice to replace Biden at the top of the Democratic ticket.

Smith serves as a ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee and said he supports the U.S. involvement in the war in Ukraine. He agrees with Biden’s strategy of building a coalition to protect Ukraine and not go to war directly against Russia. 

Smith also supports affordable housing and was one of the sponsors of the End Hedge Fund Control of American Homes Act, which would have stopped hedge funds from buying single family homes and require them to sell the homes they own over a 10-year period.

On immigration, Smith supports Biden’s cap on asylum-seekers and a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who currently work in the U.S.

“We can’t take absolutely everyone. The asylum laws are too open ended and word is out,” Smith said.

This week, Smith joined Rep. Pramila Jayapal to call for the federal government to phase out the use of private, for-profit detention centers to incarcerate immigrants. He said such centers, like the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, are unsafe and conditions are inhumane.

Smith has been a supporter of legislation to combat climate change such as the Inflation Reduction Act which, among other things, calls for reducing emissions by 40% by 2030.

Of Smith’s challengers, Melissa Chaudhry stands out as a knowledgeable social justice and environmental advocate. It is refreshing to see such a credible candidate in this race. But she does not make the case to turn Smith out.

Overall, Smith has used his time in Congress well. His experience and straightforward approach toward addressing issues should be preserved with another term in Washington, D.C.