VANCOUVER, Wash. — Democratic U.S. Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez advanced to the November general election in Washington state's closely watched 3rd Congressional District after finishing among the top two candidates in the state's all-party primary, according to projections by major U.S. media and preliminary election results released on Wednesday.
Gluesenkamp Perez, a two-term incumbent, secured a place on the general election ballot in one of the most competitive U.S. House races of the 2026 midterm cycle. She is expected to face Republican state Senator John Braun, who also advanced under Washington's top-two primary system, in a contest that both major parties view as critical in the fight for control of the House of Representatives.
Washington's primary allows all candidates, regardless of party affiliation, to compete on a single ballot, with the two highest vote-getters advancing to the general election. Initial returns showed Gluesenkamp Perez and Braun leading a field that also included Democratic challenger Brent Hennrich and other candidates. Because Washington counts mail ballots received after Election Day if they are postmarked on time, vote totals are expected to continue changing before certification.
Gluesenkamp Perez first won the southwestern Washington district in 2022, flipping a seat long held by Republicans, and was re-elected in 2024. The district has remained politically competitive, with Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump carrying it in the 2024 election, underscoring its status as a battleground.
During her time in Congress, Gluesenkamp Perez has cultivated a moderate profile, occasionally breaking with Democratic Party leadership on issues including immigration and other legislative priorities. Supporters have argued that her bipartisan approach has helped Democrats remain competitive in a conservative-leaning district, while critics within her party have challenged some of her votes.
Republicans have targeted the district as one of their best opportunities to gain a House seat, while Democrats consider defending Gluesenkamp Perez's seat central to their efforts to reclaim a congressional majority. National political organizations from both parties are expected to devote significant resources to the race in the coming months.
County election officials will continue tabulating ballots before Washington certifies the primary results later this month. The general election is scheduled for Nov. 3, 2026.
