Abbarno to lead moderate Republican political action committee
State Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Chehalis, will put on yet another hat as the new chairman of the Cascade Political Action Committee (PAC).
Former chairman of the Washington state PAC and former Washington state Rep. J.T. Wilcox announced the new appointment on behalf of the committee on Monday morning.
Abbarno will now take a leadership role in the committee that endorses and donates to many conservative campaigns across the state on both the state and local levels.
In the announcement, Wilcox welcomed Abbarno and praised his experience in both state and local government and as a small business owner as evidence of his ability to lead the Cascade PAC.
"Peter brings the experience, energy and leadership needed to guide Cascade PAC into the future," Wilcox said. "As a legislator, House Republican Caucus Chair, attorney and small business owner, he has built a reputation for practical problem-solving, coalition-building and effective communication."
In the announcement, Wilcox went on to highlight the importance of leadership for the PAC heading into the 2026 election cycle with five Washington state Supreme Court seats up for election and Republicans seeking to take back enough seats to reestablish some political power in the state Legislature.
"Under Peter's leadership, Cascade PAC will continue recruiting, supporting and electing common-sense candidates who focus on results, listen to their communities, and work collaboratively to improve the lives of Washingtonians," Wilcox said.
The Cascade PAC describes itself as supporting "well-qualified, common sense candidates to all levels of public office in Washington state."
The committee is known to back Republican candidates across state and local races, most recently supporting both Washington state Rep. Michelle Caldier, R-Gig Harbor, and former state Rep. Chad Magendanz in a special election for two Washington state Senate seats in November of last year.
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