Gluesenkamp Perez Wins Third Term In Trump-Leaning Southwest Washington Seat
Democratic Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez has won a third term representing Washington's 3rd Congressional District, keeping a Trump-leaning corner of southwest Washington in Democratic hands, CBS News projected Thursday.[1]
CBS News called the race for Gluesenkamp Perez over Republican John Braun, the top GOP member in the Washington state Senate who was backed by Donald Trump, solidifying her hold on a district national Republicans had targeted as one of their best pickup opportunities.[1]
The sprawling 3rd District, which stretches across southwest Washington, has been carried by Trump in three straight presidential elections, making Gluesenkamp Perez's continued success there a notable break from the region's federal voting pattern.[1] She first captured the seat in 2022 in a surprise upset after Republicans ousted their incumbent in a primary, and she defended it in 2024 before now securing a third term, turning what had long been seen as safe Republican turf into a genuine battleground for both parties.
Braun entered the race as a high-profile challenger, serving as the GOP leader in the state Senate and winning Trump's endorsement, but he also tried to distinguish himself from the former president on several issues, breaking with him on tariffs, the Iran war and in acknowledging Joe Biden's 2020 victory.[1] Both he and Gluesenkamp Perez leaned heavily into messages of independence from national party leaders in their debates and advertising, especially on war powers and economic policy, reflecting the district's mix of blue-collar voters and swing suburban communities.
Gluesenkamp Perez's centrist profile at times put her at odds with her own party during this term, most visibly in September when House Democratic leaders publicly criticized her for siding with Republicans on two procedural votes, even as the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee continued to invest in her reelection. Despite those tensions, national Democrats ultimately treated her as a crucial incumbent in a difficult district, arguing that her brand of pragmatism and willingness to cross the aisle was key to holding ground in places where Trump remains popular.
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📌 Key Facts
- CBS News projected on November 5, 2026, that Marie Gluesenkamp Perez won a third term in Washington's 3rd Congressional District.
- The southwestern Washington district has been carried by Donald Trump in three presidential elections but will remain represented by a Democrat.
- Republican challenger John Braun, the top GOP member in the Washington state Senate, was endorsed by Trump but broke with him on tariffs, the Iran war and acknowledging Joe Biden's 2020 win.
- House Democratic leaders criticized Gluesenkamp Perez in September for backing Republicans on two procedural votes but the party's campaign arm continued to support her.
- Gluesenkamp Perez and Braun both emphasized independence from party leaders in campaign rhetoric and debates, particularly on war powers and economic policy.
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