Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez Projected to Win Washington’s 3rd Congressional District

Democratic Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez has been projected to win her second term in Washington‘s 3rd Congressional District, according to multiple Northwest media organizations. The latest vote counts released on Thursday evening showed Gluesenkamp Perez maintaining a slim but decisive lead over her Republican challenger, Joe Kent.

As of Thursday evening, Gluesenkamp Perez held 51% of the vote, with 181,405 votes, while Kent trailed at 48% with 169,155 votes. This translates to a difference of 12,250 votes. Despite the close margin, subsequent updates have not significantly altered the gap between the two candidates, solidifying Gluesenkamp Perez’s position.

This race is a rematch of the 2022 election, where Gluesenkamp Perez and Kent also faced off, resulting in a narrow victory for Gluesenkamp Perez after a machine recount. The 3rd District, which includes counties such as Clark, Cowlitz, Skamania, and others, has been a critical battleground for Democrats, especially given its historical lean towards Republican candidates.

Gluesenkamp Perez’s success is attributed to her strong connection with the Southwest Washington communities, her extensive get-out-the-vote campaign, and her willingness to work across party lines. Her focus on local economic issues and hyper-local problems has resonated with voters, distinguishing her from more polarizing national political narratives.

In contrast, Kent’s campaign was more aligned with national Republican priorities, including securing the southern border, reducing inflation, and achieving energy independence. Despite support from prominent Republicans, Kent’s campaign did not gain the necessary traction to close the gap with Gluesenkamp Perez.

The outcome of this race is significant for Democrats, who have faced challenges in the 2024 elections, including losing control of the presidency and the Senate. Gluesenkamp Perez’s win underscores her ability to navigate and represent a district that has traditionally been more conservative.