District backed Trump by about three points in 2024; she outran Harris
Eight candidates appeared on the primary ballot under Washington’s top-two system, which advances the two highest finishers regardless of party. Gluesenkamp Perez will face Braun, the GOP establishment’s preferred candidate, in November.
Gluesenkamp Perez entered the race as a two-term incumbent with a distinctive political profile. Since flipping the Republican-held seat in 2022, she has built support among moderates, independents and some Republican voters, often emphasizing her background as the co-owner of an auto repair shop. She has broken with her party on high-profile issues including immigration, transgender rights and Trump’s elections overhaul bill, known as the Save Act.
That approach drew competing pressures during the primary. Progressive Democrat Brent Hennrich challenged her from the left, arguing the congresswoman had drifted too far from the Democratic Party. Six other candidates rounded out the field of eight.
Progressive critics argued Gluesenkamp Perez has too often sided with the president and Republicans. Supporters countered that her willingness to stake out opposing views reflected the realities of a district that has consistently backed Trump for president, most recently by about three points. They argue that ideological purity is less important than maintaining a foothold in Trump territory and a seat that could help deliver Democrats the House majority.
In 2024, Gluesenkamp Perez ran roughly seven points ahead of Kamala Harris, her party’s presidential nominee.
Democrats hope Trump’s poor approval ratings, frustration with the economy and frustration with the U.S.-Israel war on Iran help propel the party to power in Congress by winning control of the House and possibly the Senate.