A Democratic congressional hopeful in Washington state is facing internal party dissent after reportedly stating she excluded LGBTQ+ issues from her campaign website to avoid alienating Muslim voters. The controversy has led to calls for the reconsideration of endorsements for Melissa Chaudhry, who is challenging incumbent Rep. Adam Smith in Washington's 9th Congressional District.
Andrew Ashiofu, chair of the Washington State Stonewall Democrats, told Fox News Digital that Chaudhry's reported comments are disqualifying. "Her comments are disqualifying because they reveal a deliberate choice to hide her positions on LGBTQ+ rights while actively seeking Democratic endorsements," Ashiofu stated. "When a candidate chooses concealment instead of clarity, it raises serious concerns about honesty, integrity, and alignment with core Democratic values."
The Washington State Stonewall Democrats are urging organizations that have endorsed Chaudhry, including the 11th, 33rd, and 37th District Democrats, to re-evaluate their support. Ashiofu emphasized that LGBTQ+ rights are foundational to the Democratic Party and that candidates must be willing to champion these issues openly. "When a candidate admits to hiding their stance or misleading voters and endorsing bodies, that is a breach of trust," he said.
Further complicating Chaudhry's campaign, The Stranger also reported that she indicated an intention to switch to the Green Party if elected to Congress, a revelation that has concerned local Democratic leaders. Some members of the 33rd District Democrats are reportedly discussing bylaw changes to allow for the rescission of endorsements once awarded.
Chaudhry has pushed back against the criticism, asserting on X that she has supported LGBTQ+ equality throughout her life. She detailed personal connections to the LGBTQ+ community, including co-founding her high school's Gay Straight Alliance and having close LGBTQ+ friends. Chaudhry also claimed that media reports misrepresented her remarks and that the atmosphere during the endorsement interview was hostile.
Smith, who has represented Washington's 9th Congressional District since 1997, is seeking reelection and faces multiple challengers in the Democratic primary, including Chaudhry.