b'2024 State ReportWIDEWire Senator Curtis King, who has been a significant figure in labor continued and transportation issues, moved to the district to run again.With the Climate Commitment Act intact, Washington is likelyModerate Democrat Rep. Larry Springer also fended off a strong to continue discussions about linking its carbon market withleft-leaning challenge and was re-elected. Known for his busi-California and Quebec. Legislative efforts to further refine andness-friendly stance, Springer serves as Deputy Majority Leader implement the program are anticipated in the upcoming sessionfor the House Democratic Caucus and is a key liaison with the beginning in January. business community.LegislatureCongress Democrats currently hold a majority of 58-40 in the House andAll incumbents are leading in early results, but two of29-20 in the Senate. While they hoped to expand their margins,Washingtons congressional seats will see new membersRepublicans focused on maintaining their seats. Democrats aredue to open seats:just one vote shy in each chamber from a 60% majority, which would allow them to pass certain budget-related votes with 3rd Congressional District:** Incumbent Marie Gluesenkamp out bipartisan support. If achieved, this could potentially leave Republicans out of budget negotiations, which have historicallyPerez (D) leads challenger Joe Kent (R) by 11,997 votes.been bipartisan.- 4th Congressional District:** Incumbent Dan Newhouse (R)House:leads Jerrod Sessler (R) by 7,477 votes. - 5th Congressional District:** Former State Senator andRepublicans are poised to lose at least one seat in the 26th Legislative District (Gig Harbor/Port Orchard/Bremerton). Twocurrent Spokane Treasurer Michael Baumgartner (R)additional races in Clark County remain too close to call, thoughwon by 63,657 votes, replacing retiring CongresswomanRepublican candidates are currently leading, with trends favoringCathy McMorris Rodgers.them in recent counts.- 6th Congressional District:**- 26th District (likely Democratic gain): Adison Richards (D) isState Senator Emily Randall defeated Drew MacEwen with leading former Rep. Jesse Young (R) by 2,877 votes. 57.28% of the vote, prompting- 17th District (potential Republican hold): David Stuebe (R)a forthcoming appointment andleads Terri Niles (D) by 147 votes. special election to fill Randalls- 18th District (potential Democratic gain): John Lay (R) leadsstate senate seat. JUNE 18-20John Zingale (D) by 1,299 votes.Senate:2025 WIDE2025Democrats might gain one or two seats, although some races areConventionstill too close to call. Encouragingly for Republicans, recent voteRelocates to tallies have trended in their favor. Spokane - 18th Senate District (too close to call): Adrian Cortes (D) leadsBrad Benton (R) by 354 votes. The 2025 WIDE - 10th Senate District (too close to call): Incumbent Senator RonConventionwill take place June 1820 at the Davenport Muzzall (R) leads Janet St. Clair (D) by just 153 votes. Grand Hotel in downtown Spokane,- 17th Senate District (likely Republican hold): Rep. Paul Harrismarking the first venue change in 16(R) leads Marla Keethler (D) by 1,149 votes. years. Based on attendee surveys expressing interest in a new In the newly redistricted 14th Legislative District in Yakima,location, the Convention is shifting from its long-standingRepublicans successfully defended all three seats. This district,Suncadia setting. The new downtown venue offers moretraditionally a Republican stronghold, was redrawn to have aopportunities for vendors and private events, with lower costs Latino majority, making it more competitive for Democrats whothan Suncadia. The 2025 schedule will shift to a Wednesday-to-spent heavily trying to flip the seats. Longtime Republican Friday format, and organizers are eager for feedback on this new experience. Be sure to mark your calendars!S48 www.wpma.com / Winter 2024'