James centers faith, ‘objective truth’ in bid for Legislative District 12 seat

WENATCHEE — Adam James spent much of a June 3 campaign event arguing that Washington's biggest challenges are not fundamentally political.

They are questions of truth.

The Republican candidate for Legislative District 12 Position 2 repeatedly described public policy debates as reflections of deeper moral and spiritual realities, telling attendees that freedom depends upon a foundation of "objective truth" and that many of the state's economic, educational and public safety problems stem from abandoning those foundations.

"Freedom is a fruit that grows on the tree of truth," James said.

James, a pastor and co-founder of Grace City Church, is challenging incumbent Republican Rep. Mike Steele. During a lunchtime question-and-answer session, he outlined what he called his "five E's" — economy, education, enforcement, elections and ethics — while returning repeatedly to themes of morality, faith and what he described as objective reality.

"The reality is they're not just political," James said of the issues facing Washington. "Every one of those, there are moral and spiritual issues at the root of those."

Although James frequently invoked "objective truth," the examples he offered were largely moral and cultural questions rather than matters of public administration or economics. He pointed to “biological gender,” parental authority, rights derived from a creator and what he described as historic Christian teachings as examples of truths that should inform public life.

The discussion echoed themes James has previously expressed from the pulpit. In a May 2025 sermon titled "Patriotic Spirituality," James argued that questions of law, justice, freedom and government should be understood through a biblical moral framework.

"We should seek to see earthly governments align with righteous laws and standards," James said in the sermon.

At the luncheon, James argued that political disagreements ultimately rest on competing ideas about morality and justice.

Asked about the separation of church and state, he said the concept has been misunderstood and was intended to prevent government interference with religion rather than prevent religious perspectives from participating in public life.

"Everyone brings their beliefs and their ideas to the process," James said. "Everyone brings some framework of morality, of justice, of what's right, what's wrong."

While James' prepared remarks focused largely on faith, morality and public policy, much of the discussion during the question-and-answer session centered on how those beliefs would translate into governing.

One resident of the 12th District, a retired police officer and current mental health counselor, asked how James would represent LGBTQ residents and others who do not share his beliefs. James responded that disagreement should not be confused with hatred and reiterated a phrase he used several times throughout the event: "I love all people, not all ideas."

Questions from local reporters focused on James' repeated references to Christianity, objective truth and public policy.

In one exchange, James was asked what distinguishes his candidacy from the many elected officials who also identify as Christian. James said he intends to remain consistent with his convictions while representing constituents and argued that actions reveal beliefs more clearly than labels.

The exchange returned repeatedly to questions of truth, morality and governance. While James maintained that public policy should be grounded in objective truth, he did not identify a specific legislative framework that would distinguish his understanding of those principles from that of other Christian officeholders.

James also offered one of his clearest explanations for challenging Steele, describing the race as "grassroots versus establishment" and arguing that Republicans need a "bolder voice" and more aggressive strategy if they hope to gain ground in Olympia.

"I voted for Mike," James said. "But I think in a lot of ways we need a bolder voice and strategy."

The Legislative District 12 Position 2 seat will appear on the 2026 ballot.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media