Incumbent Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and state Sen. John Braun have advanced to the November general election for Washington’s Third Congressional District following the Tuesday, Aug. 4, primary election.

The race, which represents Clark, Cowlitz, Skamania, Wahkiakum, and Klickitat counties, has drawn national attention as a potential toss-up. According to reporting by the Washington State Standard, Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Skamania, holds a narrow districtwide lead in initial results with 54,132 votes (38.90%) over Braun, R-Centralia, who received 53,869 votes (38.71%). The Associated Press called the unofficial results after 8 p.m. Tuesday.

In Clark County, Gluesenkamp Perez led with 37,856 votes (40.96%) compared to 31,735 (34.33%) for Braun. However, Braun led the field in Cowlitz County with 7,854 votes (44.14%), while Gluesenkamp Perez received 6,857 (38.54%).

Braun, who serves as the state senate minority leader, told the Washington State Standard he was optimistic about the results while attending a watch party in Chehalis. The event was attended by approximately 100 people, including state Rep. Peter Abbarno and state Rep. Jim Walsh, who also serves as the state Republican Party chair. Braun characterized the incumbent as "genuine" but argued she has been "wrong" on issues including taxes, national defense funding, border security, and parental rights.

Progressive Democrat Brent Hennrich earned 21,290 votes (15.30%) districtwide. According to reporting by The Reflector, many of his supporters have been vocal in opposition to Gluesenkamp Perez, who is seen as more independent-leaning.

The primary follows a period of low early engagement in the region. As previously reported by Columbia Countercurrent on July 31, voter turnout in Cowlitz County stood at just 11.27 percent one week before the deadline.

Financial disclosures show a significant gap in campaign resources between the two frontrunners. Gluesenkamp Perez has raised more than $6 million this cycle, while Braun has reported receipts of just over $2 million. Despite the fundraising advantage for the incumbent, recent analysis from Inside Elections has labeled the race a toss-up. The final results will determine the matchup for a seat that analysts expect to be one of the most closely watched in the country this November.

Source: Gluesenkamp Perez, Braun advancing in Third Congressional District race