Democratic Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez and Trump-backed Republican advance in Washington primary

Democratic Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and Republican state Sen. John Braun have advanced to the general election in Washington's 3rd Congressional District, according to CBS News projections. The two candidates, who will face off in November, emerged as the top two vote-getters in the nonpartisan primary, where all seven other candidates were eliminated.

This closely-watched House race is crucial in determining control of the lower chamber for the upcoming year. It's notable that the district, located in Washington's southwestern corner, voted for President Trump in 2024 while also sending a Democrat to Congress. The University of Virginia's Center for Politics rates the race as leaning Democratic, while the Cook Political Report considers it a tossup.

Gluesenkamp Perez, a two-term congresswoman, recently angered her party's left wing by voting against student loan forgiveness, supporting Israel military aid, and backing a version of Trump's voting regulations bill. Trump endorsed Braun in April, labeling Gluesenkamp Perez a "true radical left extremist." Braun, a Navy veteran and emergency vehicle manufacturer, recently reaffirmed that Biden won the 2020 election and criticized Trump's tariffs, stating they can harm businesses, including his own.