Washington midterm election results have delivered a series of closely watched victories for Democrats, support for a major Seattle transit tax increase and a split decision on statewide ballot initiatives, while officials continue to count outstanding votes.
Democratic congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez held Washington’s competitive 3rd Congressional District, defeating Republican state senator John Braun. The result preserves the seat she first won for her party in 2022.
The south-west Washington contest was regarded as one of the country’s most closely fought congressional races. Mr Braun had been endorsed by Donald Trump and was seeking to return the district to Republican control.
Ms Gluesenkamp Perez said her priorities remained rooted in the communities she represents rather than in Washington DC.
“We are historically a pretty independent people in Southwest Washington. We’re far away from the big centres of power and we like it that way,” she said. “I know where my loyalty is. I’m flying home to see my son and my husband and my community every three or four days.”
Washington voters split over statewide initiatives
Early results showed voters rejecting a proposed Parents’ Bill of Rights, which would have expanded parental access to school teaching materials, medical records and counselling files. The measure was trailing with 52.6 per cent voting against it.
Voters were meanwhile backing Initiative 638, which would prevent transgender girls from competing in female K-12 sports teams and require healthcare providers to verify the biological sex of student athletes. The proposal had secured 56.6 per cent support.
Initiative 645, which sought to repeal Washington’s 9.9 per cent tax on household income above $1 million, was also heading for defeat. Opponents held a lead of 57.9 per cent in the returns released on Wednesday.
The result would leave the state’s new tax in place. Opponents of the measure have argued that the levy is needed to support public services and investment, while supporters have said Washington should not tax income in that way.
Seattle backs transit tax increase
Seattle voters gave strong support to Proposition 1, approving an increase in the city’s transit sales tax from 0.15 per cent to 0.3 per cent for up to ten years.
The measure was backed by 72.6 per cent of voters in early returns. It is expected to raise about $138 million a year for bus services, safety improvements, streetcars and light rail connections.
City officials have warned that rejecting the proposal could have put roughly 180,000 annual city-funded bus journeys at risk. The approved measure is expected to support about 275,000 bus trips a year and expand free public transport passes.
Mayor Katie Wilson welcomed the result, while opponents raised concerns about the additional pressure on households facing high living costs and questioned whether the increased spending would deliver value for money.
In the Seattle City Council District 5 contest, Nilu Jenks was leading Julie Kang. The winner will complete the remainder of the current term before having to stand again in 2027 for a full term.
Close contest for Washington Supreme Court
Most of the Washington Supreme Court races were showing comfortable leads, although Position 4 remained tightly contested.
Justice Colleen Melody was ahead of Scott Edwards in Position 1, while Judge Jaime Michelle Hawk led Judge David Stevens in Position 3. In Position 5, Justice Theo Angelis was in front of Judge Dave Larson, and Chief Justice Debra Stephens held a substantial lead over Todd Bloom in Position 7.
Judge Sean O’Donnell led Judge Ian Birk in Position 4 by a much narrower margin, with the race still too close to regard as settled while further ballots are counted.
Democrats take control of Congress
The Washington results came as Democrats won control of both the US House of Representatives and Senate, dealing a major setback to President Donald Trump during the final two years of his term.
The shift gives Democrats greater influence over budgets, legislation and executive nominations. It is also expected to bring heightened scrutiny of the Trump administration as the new Congress prepares to take office.
Nationally, Democrats made gains in several states that had been considered safe Republican territory, with voters citing concerns including the cost of living, inflation and the direction of the administration.
County auditors in Washington are continuing to process ballots and are expected to release further figures as counting proceeds. The state’s official results are due to be certified by the secretary of state on December 3.
