Republican state Sen. John Braun, endorsed by former President Donald Trump, has advanced from Washington's 3rd Congressional District jungle primary, setting up a general election contest against incumbent Democrat Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez. The race is considered a significant battleground in the Republican effort to maintain or expand their House majority in November.
Braun, who is currently the minority leader of the Washington State Senate, secured one of the top two spots in the primary, which features all candidates running on a single ballot regardless of party affiliation. The top two vote-getters advance to the general election. Gluesenkamp Perez also advanced, having navigated challenges from within her own party, including from progressive candidates who criticized her moderate stances.
Trump publicly endorsed Braun in an April 2026 Truth Social post, stating that Braun would focus on economic growth, tax reduction, promoting American manufacturing, securing the border, and protecting Second Amendment rights. Braun, a former Navy captain and businessman, has campaigned on a platform of fiscal responsibility and curbing federal spending.
Gluesenkamp Perez is seeking her third term in the House. She represents a swing district in Southwest Washington. Her opponent in the primary, Brent Hennrich, had accused her of aligning too often with Republicans, citing her voting record.
The race is anticipated to be one of the most closely contested House elections nationwide. Braun's victory positions him as a more mainstream Republican contender compared to previous challengers like Joe Kent, a former Trump administration official and twice-past challenger to Gluesenkamp Perez, whose past associations with far-right groups made him a more controversial figure.