Lawsuit filed over denial of press credentials to journalists by WA House

Citizens Action Defense Fund sues state legislature over credentialing decisions

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A lawsuit has been filed by the Citizens Action Defense Fund against the Washington state House and other entities for the denial of press credentials to several independent journalists, which the suit claims violate their First Amendment rights. The lawsuit alleges the House used unpublished and unfairly applied guidelines from a private association to determine who is deemed a member of the press.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing tensions between lawmakers and the media, with accusations of partisan credentialing decisions that restrict press access and transparency. The outcome could set precedents around press freedoms and the rights of independent journalists to cover state legislatures.

The details

Last year, the Capitol Correspondents Association handed its press credentialing authority to the state Legislature after decades of overseeing that role. During this legislative session, the House denied press credentials to radio talk show host Ari Hoffman, Undivided podcaster Brandi Kruse, and Discovery Institute reporter Jonathan Choe. In response, the Citizens Action Defense Fund filed a lawsuit arguing the denials violate the journalists' constitutional rights.

  • The lawsuit was filed in February 2026.
  • The Capitol Correspondents Association handed credentialing authority to the state Legislature last year.

The players

Citizens Action Defense Fund

A nonprofit organization that filed the lawsuit against the Washington state House over the denial of press credentials to several journalists.

Washington state House

The state legislative body that denied press credentials to several journalists, which is being sued by the Citizens Action Defense Fund.

Ari Hoffman

A radio talk show host who was denied a press credential by the Washington state House.

Brandi Kruse

The host of the Undivided podcast who was denied a press credential by the Washington state House.

Jonathan Choe

A reporter for the Discovery Institute who was denied a press credential by the Washington state House.

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What they’re saying

“Transparency and accountability aren't partisan values — they are foundational to representative government. At a time when people believe democracy is on the line, we believe the answer is more sunlight, not less.”

— Rep. Drew Stokesbary, R-Auburn (House Republican statement)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on the lawsuit's merits in the coming months.

The takeaway

This case highlights ongoing tensions between lawmakers and the media, with accusations of partisan credentialing decisions that restrict press access and transparency. The outcome could set precedents around press freedoms and the rights of independent journalists to cover state legislatures.