Three Democratic incumbent state representatives were on top Tuesday night following the first round of results in the Aug. 5 primary election.
But other Democrats in a few hotly contested state Senate races may have a tougher time this November, with early results showing their Republican opponents leading or trailing close behind.
Nine legislative seats are up for grabs across Western Washington this year after lawmakers departed for jobs at state agencies, higher office or retirement. In three of those races, more than two candidates filed to run, making Tuesday’s primary essential to determine who would move onto the Nov. 4 general election. In the other races, primary results showed November’s election could be close.
Here’s a look at where things stand as of Wednesday.
Democrat vs. Democrat
In the 33rd Legislative District, which includes Kent, SeaTac and Des Moines, two Democrats are likely on their way to the general election.
Rep. Edwin Obras, D-SeaTac, received 43.5% of the vote on Tuesday night, while Democratic Burien Mayor Kevin Schilling held onto 32.1%. A third candidate, Darryl Jones, a Republican from Kent, had 24.2%.
The fight to November between Obras and Schilling could get heated – and expensive, with nearly $300,000 already contributed in this race. The race between moderate Democrat Schilling and Obras, who is more progressive, will likely highlight a rift in the party and give voters a chance to speak on recent decisions made by the majority.
Obras was appointed earlier this year to fill Tina Orwall’s seat after she was appointed to the state Senate. Previously, he worked for the city of Seattle’s Human Services Department.
Obras’ campaign has focused on protecting workers’ rights through reforms like raising the minimum wage and ensuring service workers keep tips. He is also pushing for independent oversight of jails across the state, and wants to create a more straightforward system for nursing certification.
Obras received backing from current state and local lawmakers including U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, as well as labor unions and advocacy groups like the Alliance for Gun Responsibility and the Washington Conservation Action.
Schilling has served on the Burien City Council since 2019, including his time as mayor, which began in 2024.
He’s focused his campaign on increasing workforce development opportunities like expanding apprenticeship programs; housing and zoning reforms; and increasing and improving support for law enforcement.
Schilling wants lawmakers to reprioritize their budget, focusing on ensuring money is spent on programs that work before raising taxes, according to his website.
He is backed by U.S. Rep. Adam Smith, Washington Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove, local elected officials, unions, the Washington Council of Police and Sheriffs, the Association of Washington Business and the Washington Farm Bureau.
Other matchups
In the 48th Legislative District, Rep. Osman Salahuddin, D-Redmond, and Republican Dennis Ellis are likely moving on to the November general election.
Salahuddin received 60.1% of the vote, and Ellis 30.1%. Ranga Bondada, another Democrat, won 8.5%.
Salahuddin was appointed to replace Vandana Slatter, D-Bellevue, after she was appointed to the state Senate earlier this year. His priorities include building more affordable housing, expanding workforce development and improving investments in first responder programs.
Ellis, a former financial analyst at Boeing, has focused his campaign on providing tax relief following this year’s tax increase passed by the Legislature, improving educational outcomes and parents’ rights to their children’s education, prioritizing maintenance of roads and bridges, and increasing support for law enforcement.
In the 41st Legislative District, Rep. Janice Zahn, D-Bellevue, and Republican John Whitney are moving forward.
Zahn received 62.8% of the vote, Whitney won 29.8%, and Democrat Vinita Kak 7.3%.
Zahn was appointed to the Legislature earlier this year. She has also served on the Bellevue City Council. Her priorities include improving transportation infrastructure across the state, expanding health care access and improving environmental protections.
Whitney, who’s worked with builders and real estate companies throughout his career, wants to cut taxes, improve support for law enforcement, and protect parents’ rights to their children’s education.
Looking to the general
Races for spots in the state Senate are beginning to shape up.
Though none of the candidates will be eliminated from the race based on Tuesday’s results, the primary still offers a glimpse into how things might shake out come November.
In the 5th Legislative District in Issaquah and eastern King County, Democrat Victoria Hunt received 52.8% of the vote, and Republican Chad Magendanz received 47%. Hunt is in her first term as a state representative but ran for the seat after it was left open following the unexpected death of Democratic Sen. Bill Ramos at the end of last session.
In the 26th Legislative District, one of few swing districts left in the state, Sen. Deb Krishnadasan, D-Gig Harbor, received 49.1% of the vote and state Rep. Michelle Caldier, R-Gig Harbor, received 50.7%.
Two Democrats are battling for a seat to represent the 48th Legislative District in the state Senate. Sen. Vandana Slatter, D-Bellevue, received 59.4% of the vote, and Rep. Amy Walen, D-Kirkland, won 38.3%.
In the final three legislative races this year, only one candidate is running. Sens. Orwall, D-Des Moines; Emily Alvarado, D-Seattle; and Rep. Brianna Thomas, D-West Seattle, are all unopposed in their districts.
