Gluesenkamp Perez and Braun debate Washington congressional seat

Democratic U.S. Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and Republican challenger John Braun, the current Senate minority leader in Washington, recently participated in a televised debate for Washington’s 3rd Congressional District seat. The contest is considered a highly competitive race that could influence party control of the House in January.

During the debate, the candidates addressed the conflict in Iran, with Gluesenkamp Perez calling it a disaster for geopolitical security and Braun expressing a desire to end the conflict without an open-ended commitment. Both candidates agreed on the need to support freezing state and federal gas taxes to provide relief against rising fuel prices.

In addition to the debate, Gluesenkamp Perez has faced criticism from The Chronicle Editorial Board regarding her campaign tactics. The board issued an editorial accusing the congresswoman of making “brazenly false” attacks against Braun, specifically citing an advertisement regarding a workplace injury at Braun Northwest involving a high school apprentice.