Overview
- Major outlets have called Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez the winner over Republican John Braun after vote counts put the incumbent comfortably ahead.
- Early tallies showed Gluesenkamp Perez near 55% to Braun’s 44%, a lead that widened as larger counties reported results.
- The race drew heavy outside spending and high-profile Republican support for Braun, including an endorsement from President Donald Trump and a campaign appearance by House Speaker Mike Johnson.
- Gluesenkamp Perez, a Washougal auto repair shop owner who flipped the seat in 2022, has at times broken with House Democratic leadership on procedural votes, a dynamic that complicated her relationship with party leaders but appealed to swing voters in the district.
- County auditors will continue processing ballots and Washington’s Secretary of State will certify results later; the outcome helps give Democrats control of Congress and could affect agenda fights, nominations, and local constituent priorities.