# Washington 2026 congressional primaries > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/washington-2026-congressional-primaries > Updated: 2026-08-05T03:28:18.000Z. Sources: 32. Developments: 4. As Washington’s Aug. 4, 2026 primary nears, the 4th District race remains a national focus. Rep. Dan Newhouse’s retirement has produced a crowded GOP field of eleven candidates, with Trump endorsing Yakima County Commissioner Amanda McKinney and businessman Jerrod Sessler and state Sen. Matt Boehnke representing anti‑establishment and moderate wings, respectively. The sole Democrat, Air Force veteran John Duresky, is still expected to finish third, meaning the top‑two primary will likely yield a GOP‑vs‑GOP runoff in November. In the 3rd District, the primary produced an exceptionally tight result. Incumbent Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez led with 38.90% of the vote, while Republican state Senate Minority Leader John Braun trailed by just 0.19 points (38.71%) – a margin of 263 votes. Braun, buoyed by endorsements from former President Donald Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson, highlighted grassroots outreach, while the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee criticized him as a career politician favoring wealthy interests. Official results released on Aug. 5 confirmed Perez with 54,132 votes (≈38.9%) and Braun with 53,869 votes (≈38.7%), advancing both to the November general election. Progressive challenger Brent Hennrich placed a distant third. The campaigns are now gearing up for the November contest, which could be decisive for control of the U.S. House and for Washington’s debates over a proposed state income tax and broader fiscal policy. ## Claims - Incumbent Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez is seeking a third term in Washington’s 3rd Congressional District. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Republican Washington State Senator John Braun is running for the 3rd District seat. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Democrat Brent Hennrich is also a candidate in the race. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The race is considered pivotal for control of the U.S. House of Representatives. (corroborated by 2 sources) - John Braun accused Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of being pro‑tax and opposing tax cuts. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Marie Gluesenkamp Perez voted against the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” (corroborated by 2 sources) - The primary election for Washington’s 3rd Congressional District is scheduled for August 4. (single source) - Marie Gluesenkamp Perez co‑sponsored H.R. 5563, the Drive Safe Act, lowering the age to operate interstate commercial vehicles from 21 to 18. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-05: Washington 3rd District Primary Advances Perez and Braun to General Election Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and Republican John Braun topped Washington’s 3rd District primary, advancing to a November showdown that could affect House control. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/john-braun-leads-tight-washington-3rd-district-primary-race ### 2026-08-03: Washington's 4th Congressional District Race Draws National Attention Amid Primary Elections Rep. Dan Newhouse’s retirement sparks a crowded Washington 4th District primary with Trump‑backed Amanda McKinney; Virginia, Kansas, Michigan and other states hold pivotal primaries that could affect Congress, 20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/washingtons-4th-congressional-district-race-opens-after-rep-dan-newhouse-retires ### 2026-07-29: Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and John Braun vie for Washington’s 3rd District seat Incumbent Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and Rep.‑candidate John Braun contest Washington’s 3rd District primary on Aug 4, a race seen as pivotal for House control. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/marie-gluesenkamp-perez-and-john-braun-vie-for-washingtons-3rd-district-seat ### 2026-07-27: Washington 4th District Primary Chooses New House Candidate Washington’s 4th district primary on Aug 4 will select a new House member after Dan Newhouse’s retirement, with front‑runner Amanda McKinley leading fundraising and endorsements, while voters also decide state‑ 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/washington-4th-district-primary-chooses-new-house-candidate --- Cite as: Washington 2026 congressional primaries. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/washington-2026-congressional-primaries