US Rep. Newhouse says he has tested positive for coronavirus

YAKIMA, Wash. (AP) - Republican U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse tweeted Wednesday that he has tested positive for COVID-19 and is experiencing mild symptoms.

Newhouse, who represents central Washington state, said he took a test after feeling run down.

Newhouse, 65, said the results came back positive Tuesday night.

“My symptoms remain mild, and I am following CDC guidelines,’’ he wrote. “I am quarantining and will continue to serve the people of Central Washington from home.’’

The Seattle Times reports Newhouse is the first member of Washington’s congressional delegation to disclose testing positive for COVID-19. At least 22 other House members and six senators have contracted the illness, according to a list maintained by GovTrack.

Newhouse was first elected to Congress in 2014 to represent the sprawling 4th District, which includes Yakima and the Tri-Cities. He was re-elected this month with 66% of the vote.

The Yakima Valley farmer previously served as a state legislator and director of the state Department of Agriculture.