Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez fights to keep a foothold in conservative Pacific Northwest district
In her two prior victories, Gluesenkamp Perez defeated a Republican with extremist ties. Now she faces a more mainstream opponent in businessman and legislator John Braun.
In a rural Washington district, Democratic Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez is working to maintain her presence in the conservative Pacific Northwest. Perez, who owns an auto repair shop, has become a symbol of unity between urban and rural communities, as well as between blue-collar and white-collar voters. With her husband, she has positioned herself as someone who can help Democrats bridge the divide in the U.S. House.
Although Democrats have been focused on accommodating the progressive movement, Gluesenkamp Perez believes that their willingness to make room for more moderate and unorthodox members could be even more crucial to winning and maintaining a durable majority. The 3rd Congressional District of Washington includes both the Portland, Oregon, metro area and extensive rural territory with economies centered around fishing, logging, and manufacturing.
By balancing these competing interests, Gluesenkamp Perez sometimes finds herself in a minority of Democrats siding with Republicans.
Gluesenkamp Perez has prioritized legislation that bolsters her blue-collar identity and the specific industries in her district, such as right-to-repair legislation and efforts to control sea lions preying on fish in the Columbia River dams. Despite her progressive challenges, Gluesenkamp Perez has managed to maintain her position in the district, finishing 7 points ahead of Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris in 2024.
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