That was in 2018, a down year for the GOP everywhere, and McMorris still won by 9.6%. Hardly an almost-loss.
It’s true that the 2018 *primary* was much closer (3.9 points) but the general was not close.
In McMorris’ actual last election (2022) she won by 19.3%. The new guy, whoever it is, probably won’t approach a 20-point win this year but there’s zilch to worry about unless the Republicans nominate a child molester or something.
Aside from 2018, no Democrat has come within 10% of winning in WA-5 since 1994, and the composition of the district has barely changed at all since then. Trump will win it in 2024 by about 10 points and so will whoever the GOP nominates for Congress (maybe even more than 10 points).
I sure hope you're right. Have you heard of anyone interested who might be a good candidate? I can't think of anyone.