Washington’s Fifth District

Washington’s 5th Congressional District spans from Canada to the north, Oregon to the south, and Idaho to the East. With 16,053 square miles and ten counties, the district is Washington’s second largest. 

 

In order to serve you better, Cathy has three offices in Eastern Washington.  Her office in Colville serves the northern part of the district, the Spokane office the central part, and the Walla Walla office the southern part.

North
Northeastern Washington, home to Ferry, Pend Oreille, Stevens counties and three Indian tribes, is a landscape of great diversity and home to Sherman Pass, the highest pass in Washington State.

The area encompasses vast forested areas, fertile agricultural land, orchards, wineries, year-round endless recreational opportunities, hunting, fishing, downhill and cross-country skiing, hiking, berry and mushroom picking, backcountry riding, and camping, to name a few.  Resource and manufacturing based industries still make up the majority of the local economies to this day.

Central
The central part of the 5th Congressional District includes the City of Spokane and its surrounding suburbs, as well as the rural areas of Spokane, Lincoln, and Whitman counties. Business, health care, industry, agriculture and education make up the backbone of the economy.  Spokane hosts several big sporting events a year, including Hoopfest and Bloomsday.  Gonzaga University, Whitworth University, Spokane Falls Community College and Spokane Community College also call Spokane home.

Fairchild Air Force Base is the largest single employer in the 5th Congressional District.  It is home to the 92nd Air Refueling Wing and Air National Guard 141st Air Refueling Wing, who together are key enablers to the Air Force’s Global Reach capability and provide direct support to U.S. and Allied forces around the world.

Agriculture remains the primary economic mainstay outside of the Spokane metropolitan area, although changing demographics have forced farms to resize and farmers to diversify their crops in order to meet the challenges of the world market.  Rural towns have become increasingly creative in looking for ways to stabilize their economies, and promote growth.  Larger towns in the central region, including Pullman (home to Washington State University) and Cheney (home of Eastern Washington University), rely on higher education and related support services to help drive the health of their communities.

South
Walla Walla, Columbia, Asotin and Garfield counties make up the southern region of the 5th Congressional District.

Agriculture is the dominant industry in the outlying counties. Wheat is the number one crop. Barley, corn, potatoes, asparagus, peas and wine grapes also generate a significant portion of the annual harvest. One of the best known products is the Walla Walla Sweet Onion. The Walla Walla area is home to a booming wine and tourism industry.

Walla Walla is also home to Whitman College, Walla Walla University and Walla Walla Community College.