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Republicans achieved a significant milestone in their effort to maintain House control as a Trump-backed Republican state senator advanced to the general election in Washington’s 3rd Congressional District. John Braun and incumbent Democrat Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez emerged as the top two finishers in the jungle primary, where all candidates compete on a single ballot regardless of party affiliation. The two will now compete directly in the fall general election for the House seat representing the Southwest Washington swing district.
Gluesenkamp Perez successfully navigated a primary challenge from the left, fending off progressive candidate Brent Hennrich, who criticized her for voting with Republicans too frequently. Hennrich campaigned on taxing wealthy Americans and implementing Medicare for All, positions that distinguished him from the moderate Democrat. Despite pressure from her left flank, Gluesenkamp Perez advanced while seeking a third congressional term.
Braun brings a different political profile to the race than his predecessor in challenging the incumbent. The former Navy captain and businessman currently serves as minority leader of the Washington State Senate and has emphasized fiscal restraint and opposition to federal spending as central campaign themes. Unlike previous Trump-backed candidates in the district who faced controversy, Braun presents a more mainstream Republican image.
Trump endorsed Braun in an April 2026 Truth Social post, citing support for economic growth, tax cuts, deregulation, and border security. The general election is shaping up as one of the nation’s most competitive House races, with both parties viewing the Southwest Washington district as crucial to their November ambitions.
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