Full Breakdown
Washington’s 3rd District Primary Sets Up High-Stakes General Election
8/6/2026, 10:14:56 PM
Primary Results and Immediate Outlook
Washington’s nonpartisan “top-two” primary on Tuesday produced a near-tie between incumbent Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and Republican state Senate minority leader John Braun. CBS News projects both candidates captured roughly 39 % of the vote, while KATU reported each earned 39 % in a field of nine. The Associated Press called the race for the two frontrunners, leaving the district—one of 13 that voted for President Donald Trump in 2024 yet elected a Democrat to the House—as a focal point for the upcoming November contest.
Background & Context
The 3rd Congressional District, encompassing Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, Pacific, Wahkiakum, Skamania and part of Thurston counties, has backed Trump in each of his three presidential bids. Gluesenkamp Perez flipped the seat from Republican Jaime Herrera Beutler in 2022 and defended it in 2024, defeating far-right challenger Joe Kent both times. Braun, a Navy veteran and emergency-vehicle manufacturer, secured Trump’s endorsement in April, positioning the race as a top GOP pickup opportunity.
Data & Statistics
- Vote share: ? 39 % each for Gluesenkamp Perez and Braun (CBS News; KATU).
- Democratic primary split: Brent Hennrich captured 15 % of the vote, leaving the two Democrats with about 54 % of the total primary vote.
- Fundraising: Gluesenkamp Perez has raised roughly $6.5 million, while Braun’s campaign has raised about $2 million as of July.
- Competitive rating: The nonpartisan Cook Political Report lists the district as a toss-up.
Why It Matters
Control of the U.S. House hinges on a handful of swing districts, and the 3rd District is among the 18 nationwide toss-ups identified by the Cook Political Report. Both parties view the seat as essential to securing a majority in the 118th Congress.
Official Statements & Responses
President Donald Trump endorsed Braun in April, labeling Gluesenkamp Perez a “true radical left extremist.” Braun, in a post-primary statement, warned that “too many of the challenges facing our district have only gotten worse” and pledged to work with anyone “when it benefits Southwest Washington.”
Criticism & Opposition
Progressive Democrats within the district have voiced sharp disapproval of Gluesenkamp Perez’s centrist voting record. Thea Zahn, chair of the 20th legislative district, said she will never vote for her again, citing support for the Save Act and other Trump-backed measures. LaDonna Kirkpatrick, chair of the 18th legislative district, echoed the sentiment, arguing the congresswoman’s votes betray Democratic values. Ben Gaskins, a political-science professor at Lewis & Clark College, warned that “there’s some liberal, progressive dissatisfaction with her,” noting that her alignment with Republican-led bills has alienated the party’s left flank.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Braun has sold out his reputation for an endorsement from Donald Trump and he’s going to work for Donald Trump,” — Marie Gluesenkamp Perez
- “Too many of the challenges facing our district have only gotten worse,” — John Braun
What’s Next
The general election is scheduled for November 3, 2026. Both campaigns are expected to raise additional funds and attract national outside spending as the race solidifies its status as a bellwether for control of the House.
