Washington Primary Election Results: Key Races, Outcomes 2026

Key Points

• Vote counting is underway in Washington’s 2026 primary election, with results continuing to shift as ballots are processed.
• Washington uses a nonpartisan top-two primary system, so the two candidates with the most votes in each race advance to November regardless of party affiliation.
• All 98 state House seats, 24 state Senate seats, all 10 U.S. House seats, and four Washington Supreme Court positions are on the ballot.
• Key races include Washington’s 3rd and 4th Congressional Districts, control of the state Legislature, and several closely watched Supreme Court contests.
• Early results show several candidates in the lead, but officials emphasize that the vote count remains incomplete and standings may change.

Seattle (Evening Washington News) August 5, 2026 — Vote counting is continuing across Washington after the state’s 2026 primary election, with preliminary results coming in for congressional, legislative, judicial, and local races. Election officials continue to process mail-in and drop-box ballots, meaning the current standings remain unofficial.

What is the system behind Washington’s primary?

Washington uses a top-two primary system, where all candidates for an office appear on the same ballot regardless of political party. The two candidates receiving the highest number of votes advance to the general election in November, even if they belong to the same party.

Because Washington conducts elections primarily by mail, ballot counting often continues for several days after Election Day, allowing races to shift as additional votes are tabulated.

Which races are drawing the most attention?

Washington’s 3rd Congressional District remains one of the state’s highest-profile contests, with incumbent Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez competing in a crowded field. The open race in the 4th Congressional District has also attracted significant attention following the retirement of longtime Republican Representative Dan Newhouse.

Legislative races are equally important, as all 98 House seats and 24 Senate seats are up for election. Democrats are seeking to expand their legislative majority, while Republicans are targeting competitive districts across the state.

Several legislative districts—including the 14th, 17th, 18th, 26th, 29th, 32nd, 42nd, 43rd, and 46th—are being closely watched.

What did early counts show in Olympia?

Early returns indicate several incumbents have established strong leads.

In the 43rd Legislative District Senate race, Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen held an early lead with approximately 71% of the reported vote, ahead of Hannah Sabio-Howell and independent candidate Heather-Marie Wilson.

In the 46th District House race, incumbent Gerry Pollet led the field, followed by challenger Will Dreher and Ron Paul Davis.

Another closely watched legislative contest features two Democratic lawmakers competing for a Senate seat, while the open House race in the 26th District remains competitive among candidates from multiple political backgrounds.

Which congressional contests are advancing?

Early results in the 3rd Congressional District indicate that Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and Republican John Braun are leading the field, placing them in position to advance under Washington’s top-two primary system if the standings hold.

In the 4th Congressional District, Yakima County Commissioner Amanda McKinney has emerged as the early leader in the race for the state’s only open U.S. House seat.

All ten of Washington’s congressional districts are on the ballot this year, with several incumbents facing challengers and multiple races expected to remain competitive until final vote certification.

Why do later ballot counts matter?

Washington’s vote-by-mail system means election-night results are only an early snapshot of the overall outcome.

Additional ballots arriving through the mail or deposited in official drop boxes continue to be counted after Election Day. In close races, thousands of outstanding ballots can determine which two candidates advance to the general election.

As a result, early leads should not be considered final until vote counting is completed and results are certified.

What are the local races and ballot issues?

In addition to congressional and legislative contests, voters are deciding several local races, including King County Council positions, Seattle City Council District 5, and Seattle Proposition 1.

The statewide ballot also includes four Washington Supreme Court positions, making judicial elections another major focus of this year’s primary.

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Background of the development

Washington has long used a top-two primary system instead of traditional party primaries. The format allows all registered voters to participate in the same election while narrowing each race to two finalists for November.

The 2026 primary is particularly significant because it includes every state House seat, half of the state Senate, all U.S. House districts, and multiple Supreme Court positions, making it one of Washington’s most consequential statewide elections in recent years.

What could this mean for voters?

For Washington voters, the results of the primary will determine the candidates who appear on the November general election ballot. While several races appear to have clear front-runners, many competitive contests remain too close to call as ballot counting continues.

The eventual outcomes could shape control of the state Legislature, determine the makeup of Washington’s congressional delegation, and influence the direction of state politics over the next two years.