Trump-backed Republican advances to face vulnerable Democrat in key House battleground
Republicans took a step towards retaining their majority in the US House of Representatives after a Trump-backed candidate advanced through a "jungle primary" in Washington's 3rd Congressional District, setting up a general election clash with Democratic incumbent Marie Gluesenkamp Perez. The contest is being closely watched as one of several battleground races that will help determine control of the House in November's midterm elections.
Gluesenkamp Perez, who represents the district for the Democrats, will face Republican John Braun after both progressed through the state's non-partisan primary system, in which all candidates compete on a single ballot regardless of party. The race forms part of a wider midterm landscape that also includes four Senate toss-up contests, in Alaska, Iowa, Maine and Ohio, and sixteen House toss-up seats identified by analysts as pivotal to the outcome.
In short
- Trump-backed John Braun to face Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez in Washington
- Race is one of several key House battlegrounds ahead of the midterms
- Washington uses a "jungle primary" system with candidates from all parties
Explained simply
The US House of Representatives is one of two chambers of Congress, where members write federal laws and approve government spending. Voters elect its members from local districts every two years, and the party with the most seats can shape the House’s agenda.
Washington state uses a non-partisan primary: candidates from all parties appear on one ballot, and the top two advance to the general election. In the 3rd Congressional District, the November contest is between Republican John Braun and Democratic incumbent Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, who currently represents the district.
Former president Donald Trump has backed Braun, while Perez is seeking another term. The race matters because several closely contested House seats could help decide which party controls the chamber after the midterm elections.