Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, a two-term Democratic congresswoman representing Washington state's third district, is entering a closely watched primary election on Tuesday, August 4th, 2026. She gained national attention after flipping the district from Republican control in 2022, narrowly defeating Trump-endorsed Joe Kent. The seat was previously held by Republican Jaime Herrera Beutler, who won it in 2010 and served six terms.

The district has a history of supporting former President Trump, who carried it in all three of his presidential runs, most recently by about three points. However, in 2024, Gluesenkamp Perez outperformed her party's presidential nominee by roughly seven points.

Gluesenkamp Perez faces competition from Democrat Brent Hennrich, who previously ran for the seat in 2022 before stepping down to unify Democrats behind Perez, and Republican state senator John Braun. The primary ballot includes six other candidates, with the top two advancing to the November general election regardless of party affiliation.

Local supporter Laura Oltmann, a self-described conservative, expressed strong approval of Gluesenkamp Perez, saying, “We like her a lot.” Meanwhile, Thea Zahn, chair of the 20th legislative district, emphasized the importance of choosing a majority that upholds Democratic values.

Democrats are favored to win the House of Representatives in the upcoming midterm elections, and retaining competitive seats like Gluesenkamp Perez’s will be critical to securing and expanding their majority. A Democratic strategist named Niles noted that although some of Gluesenkamp Perez’s votes have been contentious, none led to legislation passing, underscoring that “flipping the House is our goal” and should remain the priority for Democrats.

The primary outcome will be pivotal for both parties as they prepare for the November midterms.

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