Schmick vs Wallace: Rural Healthcare Divide | Spokane News

In a high-stakes race for the ninth district, veteran Rep. Joe Schmick faces off against newcomer Karina Wallace — and their contrasting visions could reshape rural healthcare and state policy. Schmick, with his 15-year track record, champions fiscal restraint and rural healthcare access, recently celebrating a law that lets nurses assist in ambulances and pushing mental health funding pilots. Wallace, betting on higher turnout, wants bold change: a pay ratio tax to boost wages and expanded care for chronic illnesses — while defending income taxes for the wealthy. This isn’t just another election — it’s a generational shift in how Minnesota’s heartland is governed. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Sources:https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2026/sep/14/democrat-challenges-longtime-incumbent-to-represen/ More coverage & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/b9a8ba6be02e67b6 Report issues to [email protected].