Key facts
- Democratic congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez is facing a primary challenge in Washington's third district.
- She won the district in 2022, flipping a seat previously held by a Republican.
- Gluesenkamp Perez is criticized by some Democrats for voting with Republicans on legislation.
- Her supporters argue her approach is necessary to win in the conservative-leaning district.
- Republican John Braun is a strong contender and has received Donald Trump's endorsement.
Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, a two-term Democratic congresswoman who successfully flipped Washington state’s third congressional district in 2022, is facing a challenging primary election. The district, which has historically leaned Republican and was carried by Donald Trump in recent presidential elections, presents a difficult landscape for a Democrat.
Gluesenkamp Perez's success in 2022 was attributed to her appeal to moderate and rural voters, including Republicans who found her opponent, Joe Kent, too extreme. She has positioned herself as a pragmatic representative, focusing on issues relevant to the district's economy, which is shaped by logging, agriculture, shipping, and manufacturing.
However, her voting record has drawn criticism from within her own party. Some Democrats, including challenger Brent Hennrich and local party officials like LaDonna Kirkpatrick and Thea Zahn, are disappointed by her votes on key legislation, which they perceive as siding with Republicans. They argue she has not sufficiently represented Democratic values and has alienated local party members.
Defenders of Gluesenkamp Perez, such as Terri Niles, argue that her moderate approach is a strategic necessity in a district that is fundamentally Republican. They emphasize that her contentious votes have not led to legislation passing and that the primary goal for Democrats should be securing the House majority, which requires winning competitive seats like hers.
The primary election is particularly crucial as the top two finishers, regardless of party affiliation, will advance to the November general election. Gluesenkamp Perez faces competition from Hennrich on her left and Republican state senator John Braun on her right. Braun, a top Republican recruit, has secured Donald Trump's endorsement, and recent polling indicates a tight race between Gluesenkamp Perez and Braun.