The fight for House control is narrowing to Washington state's 3rd Congressional District, one of the nation's most competitive seats.
Democratic Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, who flipped the district in 2022, faces Republican state Sen. John Braun. President Trump carried the district three times, underscoring its independent political leanings.
Democrats need Gluesenkamp Perez to hold the seat to secure a House majority. Republicans require a Braun victory to keep power and advance Trump's agenda.
Both candidates face distinct pressures. As an incumbent, Gluesenkamp Perez contends with anti-incumbency sentiment. Braun, endorsed by Trump, runs when midterm elections often become referendums against the party holding the White House—currently Republicans.
"A lot of districts these days are pretty predictable in terms of their politics," Braun told NPR. "The third is not. You got to go earn those votes."
The district encompasses urban, industrial and rural communities, spanning inland and coastal areas. Vancouver, the most populated city, has different priorities than rural towns along the Pacific Ocean.
Braun emphasized the need to engage all communities. "They want you and expect you to show up and represent their interests," he said. "This dynamic gives you a little bit of freedom to vote more independently. But you also have to show up and explain your vote."
Despite their partisan affiliations, Gluesenkamp Perez and Braun are both moderates who own small businesses and live in rural towns. Their campaigns prioritize issues central to local voters: support for blue-collar work in manufacturing, natural resources, and small businesses.
The candidates diverge sharply on abortion and other traditional partisan lines—a delicate balance in a district where overt partisanship historically falters.
The seat has a history of close contests. Former Republican Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler held the seat through fierce races before losing the 2022 primary after voting to impeach President Trump following the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol.
