Six Other Candidates Also Appeared on the Ballot

Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez secured one of two spots in Washington state's crowded all-party primary, overcoming criticism from both the left and the right to advance in one of November's most closely watched US congressional races. The two-term Democrat, known for bucking her party on key issues, heads into the general election as she seeks to defend a district carried by Donald Trump in 2024 and central to the battle for control of the House. She will face Republican state senator John Braun in November.

Gluesenkamp Perez faced competing ideological pressures in a field that included Braun, the GOP establishment's preferred candidate, and progressive Democrat Brent Hennrich, who argued she had drifted too far from the party. Six other candidates also appeared on the ballot. Under Washington's primary system, the top two finishers advance regardless of party.

Since flipping the Republican-held seat in 2022, she has built support among moderates, independents and some Republicans, often emphasizing her background as co-owner of an auto repair shop and breaking with her party on issues such as immigration, transgender rights and Trump's elections overhaul bill, the Save Act. Progressive critics argued she has too often sided with the president and Republicans, while supporters countered that her willingness to stake out opposing views reflected the realities of a district that has consistently backed Trump, most recently by about three points. In 2024, she ran roughly seven points ahead of Kamala Harris. Democrats hope Trump's poor approval ratings, and frustration with the economy and the US-Israel war on Iran, will help them win control of the House and possibly the Senate.