(The Center Square) – Initial results in Washington’s primary election are in with national attention on a couple of key Congressional races with razor-thin margins of difference.
The top two finishers in each race will advance to the November election regardless of party and Tuesday night results in Washington’s District 3 and District 4 of the U.S. House are being closely watched.
Republicans are eying District 3 where they believe Democratic Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez is vulnerable, largely because of her unwillingness to come out in favor or in opposition to the recently passed income tax.
Her main challenger is Republican Senate Minority Leader John Braun.
In initial returns, Gluesenkamp Perez had just over 53,000 votes, or 38.9%, while Braun had just over 52,300 votes, or 38.71%.
Democrat Brent Hennrick had just over 21,000 votes, or 15.3% in initial Tuesday night returns.
Representative Jim Walsh told The Center Square if Braun had a slim margin in initial returns, the party is confident they can regain the seat for Congress.
If the results hold, Braun and Gluesenkamp Perez would advance to the November election under Washington’s top two primary,
Because Washington counts ballots over several days, these results are unofficial and may change as additional ballots are processed.
“I think he’ll be in a good position at that point,” said Walsh.
The Center Square repeatedly tried to secure an interview with Gluesenkamp Perez, to ask her about her position on the income tax but received no response.
In central Washington’s 4th Congressional District, where Rep. Dan Newhouse is stepping aside, 11 hopefuls jumped into the race.
Republican Amanda McKinney had 25,633 votes, or 34.85%, to Democrat John Duresky’s 22,657 votes, or 30.8%.
Republican candidate Jerrod Sessler had 10,426 votes, or 14.17% after initial returns.
As reported by The Center Square, the top Republican fundraisers in the battle have argued over who secured the endorsement of President Donald Trump.
Democratic contender John Dureseky garnered 22,657 votes, or 30.8%, which likely guarantees that he will advance to the November election in a district that has been traditionally conservative.
Vote totals will continue to be released from the Secretary of State over the next several days. The SOS will certify results by Aug. 21.
Find coverage of the Washington congressional races here.