Democratic U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez advanced to November’s general election in Washington’s 3rd District after the primary on August 4, securing 34 percent of the vote in a crowded field that included fellow Democrat Brent Hennrich.
Republican state Sen. John Braun won the Republican primary with 51 percent, clearing the path for a general election matchup between the two candidates on November 3. Washington’s top-two primary system advances the top two finishers regardless of party, setting up what analysts expect to be one of the nation’s most competitive House races.
Gluesenkamp Perez, a moderate Democrat, first flipped the district blue in 2022 with a narrow victory over Republican Joe Kent, winning by roughly 2,600 votes. She expanded her margin in a 2024 rematch against Kent, winning by about 4 percentage points. Her appeal to working-class rural voters in a district that President Trump carried by 3 points has made her one of the Democratic Party’s most closely watched incumbents.
Before entering Congress, Gluesenkamp Perez co-owned an auto repair and machine shop with her husband, Dean, a background she has emphasized throughout her political career. She holds an economics degree from Reed College and has positioned herself as a centrist willing to work across party lines, breaking with her party on key votes.
Braun, a U.S. Army veteran and owner of vehicle manufacturer Braun Northwest, brings different credentials to the race. As Senate Republican Leader in Washington’s state legislature, he chairs the Ways and Means Committee. He secured President Trump’s endorsement in the primary race, a significant advantage in a district that favors Republicans in presidential elections.
Washington’s 3rd District, which spans southwest Washington counties including Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, Pacific, Skamania, and Wahkiakum, has become a genuine toss-up in recent years. The district leans Republican in presidential contests but has backed Gluesenkamp Perez twice, making it one of the few competitive House seats in a Trump-leaning area. National political observers have flagged it as one of the races that could determine control of Congress.
The general election will take place on November 3, 2026. Both candidates will seek to mobilize their bases and appeal to the independent and swing voters who have proven decisive in past elections in this district.
Sources
- KGW — Primary results showing Gluesenkamp Perez at 34 percent and Braun at 51 percent
- OPB — Confirmation that Gluesenkamp Perez and Braun advanced to the general election
- Ballotpedia — Primary date (August 4, 2026) and general election date (November 3, 2026)
- The Guardian — Description of Gluesenkamp Perez as a moderate who owns an auto repair shop
- New York Times — Braun’s background as Republican State Senate minority leader with Trump’s endorsement
- The Hill — Braun’s ownership of vehicle manufacturer Braun Northwest and Army veteran status
- Ballotpedia and multiple outlets — Gluesenkamp Perez’s 2022 victory over Joe Kent and 2024 rematch victory
- Multiple outlets (OPB, Cook Political Report, NBC News) — District competitiveness and toss-up status
