by Jerry Cornfield, Washington State Standard
March 10, 2026
An incumbent Washington Republican state lawmaker is facing an intraparty challenge from an associate pastor of a Wenatchee church who’s raised close to $300,000.
Adam James, who helped establish Grace City Church, launched a campaign this month to unseat state Rep. Mike Steele of Chelan in the 12th Legislative District that encompasses communities on both sides of the Cascades.
James, a pastor for 28 years, said in an email that he is making his first run for political office “out of a deep love” for his hometown, the surrounding community and the state. He did not criticize Steele.
“I have a lot of respect for Rep. Steele and anyone who steps up to serve their community,” he said. “I believe our community is ready for a bold voice and a renewed focus on the issues that families here are talking about every day: affordability, public safety, and restoring common-sense leadership in Olympia.”
James was born and raised in Pateros, a small town north of Wenatchee in north-central Washington. He attended Wenatchee Valley College and graduated from Northwest University with a degree in Biblical Studies and Church Ministries.
On his website, he says he wants to end Washington’s “sanctuary” policies that limit local police from assisting in immigration enforcement, unless federal law expressly requires it. He also wants to “prioritize students over ideology” in the public school system, revamp the mail-in ballot system, cut taxes and pare regulations.
“The hour is late and the hour is dark. Our state deserves fighters — bold voices who will stand unapologetically for truth, liberty, justice, and prosperity,” he states on his website. “Let’s make Washington America again.”
James is off to a fast start fundraising, reporting $274,000 in contributions as of March 10, according to the state Public Disclosure Commission website as of Thursday.
Steele was elected to the House in 2016. He is in his fifth term representing the district that encompasses nearly all of Chelan County and stretches west along Highway 2 to the city of Monroe in Snohomish County. There’s also a small wedge of King County in the district.
He said he wasn’t surprised to draw a Republican opponent because he’s faced fellow party members in prior elections.
“My focus is always on figuring out the best way to serve my constituents,” said Steele, a self-described “compassionate conservative.”
Steele is the lead Republican on the House Capital Budget Committee. That role, he said, puts him “in the room” to ensure state funds are returned to the district and rural Washington.
“I realize this decision is up to the community,” he said. “I will run a campaign that is responsive to residents throughout the district.”
Steele reported $23,349 in contributions prior to the start of the 2026 session. State law bars lawmakers from fundraising when the Legislature is in session.
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