Washington state Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez holds on to House seat
Democratic Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez has secured her re-election in Washington state’s closely watched 3rd Congressional District. This victory marks her second win against Republican challenger Joe Kent in two House cycles, according to The Associated Press.
Gluesenkamp Perez, representing the 3rd District in the southwest part of the state bordering Portland, Oregon, was considered one of the most vulnerable Democrats in the House after narrowly winning her 2022 race by less than 2 points.
The 3rd District, known for its significant Republican voter presence, narrowly went for Trump in 2020, making it a crucial target for the GOP this year. Gluesenkamp Perez positioned herself as an independent-minded moderate, co-sponsoring bills to protect medication abortion and voting for a resolution rebuking Vice President Kamala Harris’ handling of the U.S.-Mexico border. She was recognized by the Lugar Center and the Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy for having one of the most bipartisan voting records in the U.S. House.
Kent, a former Green Beret, criticized Gluesenkamp Perez on the campaign trail for her support of various Biden policies, citing inflation and illegal immigration as top concerns.
Two years ago, Gluesenkamp Perez surprised many by winning a congressional seat against Kent, who had Trump’s backing in a district that had not been in Democratic hands for over a decade. She took over a seat held by a more moderate Republican who lost the primary in part because she voted to impeach Trump following the Jan. 6 Capitol Hill riot.
The closely watched race in Washington’s 3rd District has ended with Gluesenkamp Perez securing her re-election, solidifying her position in the House.
