Full Breakdown
Washington 2026 Primary Election: A Statewide Snapshot
8/5/2026, 5:26:52 PM
Core Event
On August 4, Washington voters cast ballots in a statewide top-two primary that determines the two candidates who will appear on the November general election ballot for every federal, state, and local office. Ballots had to be postmarked or deposited in an official drop box by 8 p.m. that day. The election covered all 10 U.S. House seats, 98 state-House seats, 24 state-Senate seats, five Washington Supreme Court positions, numerous county and city offices, and a Seattle library levy.
Background & Context
Washington conducts elections almost entirely by mail, with a small number of in-person voting centers that close at 8 p.m. PT. Voters may verify ballot receipt and request replacements online. The state’s top-two system places the two highest vote-getters in each race on the November ballot, regardless of party affiliation. As of July 1, there were about 5.1 million registered voters in the state.
Key Races and Early Results
- 3rd Congressional District – Democratic Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez led early returns with roughly 53,000 votes (38.9%) while Republican state Senate Minority Leader John Braun trailed closely with about 52,300 votes (38.7%). Independent socialist Kshama Sawant (?13%) was eliminated.
- 4th Congressional District – Open seat after Rep. Dan Newhouse’s retirement. Republican Amanda McKinney led with 35% of the vote, Democrat John Duresky followed at 31%, and fellow Republican Jerrod Sessler captured 14% (Seattle Times; Katu).
- 9th Congressional District – Incumbent Rep. Adam Smith held a 51% lead, with Republican Doug Basler at 24% and Sawant at 13%.
- Washington Supreme Court – Five seats were on the primary ballot, an unusually high number. Chief Justice Debra Stephens led her race with 55%; other contests featured David Stevens (36%), Jaime Hawk (33%) and Mike Diaz (31%).
- Seattle City Council District 5 – Nilu Jenks (49.7%) and Julie Kang (36.4%) emerged as the two frontrunners.
- Metropolitan King County Council District 2 – State Sen. Rebecca Saldaña (52%) and Port Commissioner Toshiko Grace Hasegawa (39%) led the race.
Official Statements & Responses
- John Braun emphasized fiscal conservatism and district priorities while noting Trump’s endorsement.
- Rep. Adam Smith said he will continue to advocate for working families and highlighted his Armed Services Committee role.
- Sawant framed her campaign as a choice between an “independent socialist movement” and the Democratic establishment.
- Amanda McKinney described her campaign as focused on “kitchen-table issues” such as water storage for agriculture.
- John Duresky highlighted affordability, a higher minimum wage, and expanded health-care subsidies.
On-the-Ground Reports
King County Elections official Halei Watkins noted, “We have heard from lots of folks that they are excited to vote,” underscoring strong voter engagement.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Early vote totals for the 3rd District differ across outlets: the Seattle Times reported Gluesenkamp Perez at 38.9% and Braun at 38.7%; the Black Chronicle cited 38.9% for Perez and 38.71% for Braun; Katu’s coverage listed Perez with just over 53,000 votes (?38.9%) and Braun with just over 52,300 votes (?38.71%). No final certified numbers are yet available.
What’s Next
The Washington Secretary of State must certify the primary results by August 21. The two leading candidates in each race will appear on the November general election ballot, where control of the U.S. House, state legislative supermajorities, and the Washington Supreme Court will be decided.
