Democratic socialist Shaun Scott wins Seattle legislative race
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Shaun Scott is headed to the Legislature. Photo: Melissa Santos/Axios
With Shaun Scott's election in Seattle's 43rd Legislative District, Washington's Legislature will gain a Democratic socialist next year.
State of play: Neither the state House or state Senate has any members who identify as Democratic socialists, Democratic caucus leaders told Axios.
Catch up quick: Scott was more than 30 percentage points ahead of his opponent, Democrat Andrea Suarez, in early returns from Tuesday's election, leading to Suarez's calling Scott to concede on election night, Cascade PBS reported.
- Suarez leads We Heart Seattle, an organization that has been criticized for its approach to clearing unauthorized encampments. Scott works for the Statewide Poverty Action Network.
- The two candidates were competing to succeed Frank Chopp, a former state House speaker who is retiring from the Legislature after 30 years.
- The 43rd district is one of the most left-leaning in the state, encompassing the Seattle neighborhoods of Fremont, Capitol Hill, Eastlake and much of downtown.
Zoom out: Close legislative battles are still playing out in several swing districts, including in the 18th and 17th districts in Southwest Washington and in the 10th Legislative District, which encompasses Island County and nearby areas.
Yes, but: Republicans looked poised to hold onto their three legislative seats in central Washington's 14th Legislative District, which was recently redrawn by a judge to empower Latino voters.
- Meanwhile, Democrat Adison Richards was leading former Republican state Rep. Jesse Young in the 26th Legislative District, which spans Pierce and Kitsap counties.