GOP leaders condemn protest at democratic representative’s Bremerton home, urge civility in politics

In the wake of a small but controversial protest outside the home of Washington State Representative Tarra Simmons (D-Bremerton), GOP leaders in the state legislature are speaking out against targeting lawmakers at their residences, calling for a return to more traditional methods of political discourse.

The demonstration, which took place Saturday outside Simmons’ Bremerton home, was led by activist Matthew Adams and about 14 other protesters. Their message centered on criticism of Simmons’ legislative efforts to reform criminal sentencing laws.

“We need to quit putting criminals over public safety,” Adams said in a YouTube video filmed during the protest. “That is our big message today. Criminals need not come before public safety.”
The protest appeared to be peaceful with people holding signs outside her home. It’s unknown if she was home at the time.

Adams criticized Simmons directly, saying, “We are tired of Rep. Tarra Simmons putting all our energy into supporting criminals instead of supporting the taxpayers of Washington State… we’re bringing it right here, right to her doorstep.”

However, Republican lawmakers—despite their opposition to Simmons’ policies—quickly distanced themselves from the protest and criticized the choice of location during a media conference on Tuesday.

Rep. Travis Couture (R-Allyn) expressed his disapproval, saying, “I think we should all live in a civil society. No one should be protesting at someone’s home… Nothing positive comes from that, and it could scare people.” He urged protesters to take their grievances to Olympia or other public venues rather than targeting personal residences.

Senate Minority Leader John Braun (R-Centralia) echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for constructive dialogue. “This is the wrong way to express your opinion,” Braun stated. “It should be done in a way that doesn’t create a threatening environment for anyone on either side of the political spectrum.”

Other Republican legislators, including House Minority Leader Rep. Drew Stokesbary (R-Auburn), warned that protests at politicians’ homes ultimately overshadow the core policy debates. “By protesting at her house, you lose the very good message, which is that Tarra Simmons wants to let criminals out of jail early,” he said. “Instead, how the protest was conducted became the story.”

Stokesbary also called out Democratic leadership, urging them to condemn similar protests outside Republican lawmakers’ homes.

Simmons’ criminal justice reform efforts

Simmons, a Democrat representing the 23rd Legislative District, has long been an advocate for criminal justice reform. Her passion for the issue is deeply personal—before becoming a lawmaker, she served time in prison for drug and theft convictions. Following her incarceration, she earned a law degree and became the first formerly incarcerated person elected to the Washington State Legislature.

Her legislative efforts have focused on reducing incarceration rates and expanding opportunities for those reentering society. Critics, including many Republicans, argue that her policies are too lenient and could lead to increased crime. Simmons, however, has defended her stance, stating that criminal justice reform is essential to breaking cycles of poverty and recidivism.

Simmons has yet to comment directly on the protest.

A call for civility in political protest

The protest at Simmons’ home highlights a growing concern among lawmakers about the intensifying nature of political activism. While protests are a core part of democratic expression, the question of where and how they occur remains a contentious issue.

“I hope that the next time the WEA (Washington Education Association) or other Democrat interest groups protest at Republicans’ houses, which they have done many times in the last decade, Speaker Jenkins and Senator Petersen (Democratic leaders of the House and Senate) are just as quick to condemn their allies protesting at Republicans’ houses,” Stokesbary said.

Lawmakers on both sides may have found rare agreement on one point: political activism should stay in the public square—not at the front door.

Matt Markovich is the KIRO Newsradio political analyst. Follow him on X.

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