A 2-minute guide to Seattle's Aug. 4 primary election
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The primary election is upon us. Photo: Melissa Santos/Axios
Tuesday's primary election will decide which candidates advance in hundreds of races across Washington state, including several contests in Seattle.
The big picture: In Washington's top-two primary, the two candidates who get the most votes in each race face off in November — even if they're from the same party.
- Here's a look at some key contests.
9th Congressional District: Longtime U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (D-Bellevue) faces multiple challengers from the left.
- Independent Kshama Sawant, a socialist who served 10 years on the Seattle City Council, and Democrat Melissa Chaudhry both hope to unseat the 30-year incumbent, who has frequently criticized his party's left flank.
Seattle legislative races: Two longtime Democratic legislators face similar challenges from other Democrats who argue the incumbents are too moderate.
- In North Seattle, state Rep. Gerry Pollet is up against Ron Davis, a tech entrepreneur focused on housing and transit who narrowly lost a 2023 Seattle City Council race.
- A third Democrat in the race, Will Dreher, is a former federal prosecutor who has emphasized the need for AI oversight.
- In central Seattle, state Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen faces fellow Democrat Hannah Sabio-Howell, a workers rights advocate, and Heather-Marie Wilson, who states no party preference.
Seattle City Council: North Seattle's District 5 is the only Seattle council seat on the ballot this year.
- Four candidates are competing after Cathy Moore resigned last year. Her appointed replacement, Debora Juarez, isn't running.
King County Council: Girmay Zahilay's election as King County executive last year has left his former county council job up for grabs.
- State Sen. Rebecca Saldaña (D-Seattle), Seattle Port Commissioner Toshiko Hasegawa, and King County employee Miriam Mboya are seeking the seat, which represents much of Seattle and Skyway.
Supreme Court races: More than half of the seats on the Washington state Supreme Court are up for election this year, with four contests appearing on Tuesday's primary ballot.
- Two newly appointed justices — Theo Angelis and Colleen Melody — are trying to keep their seats, as is Chief Justice Debra Stephens.
- Meanwhile, three candidates are competing to replace retiring Justice Raquel Montoya-Lewis.
County assessor: Four candidates are vying to replace King County Assessor John Wilson, who isn't seeking reelection following allegations he stalked his ex-fiancée. Criminal charges against Wilson were later dropped.
Seattle library levy: Renewing this property tax levy would raise about $480 million for city libraries over seven years, including for tech upgrades and building maintenance.
- The new levy would cost the average Seattle homeowner about $9 more per month, supporters estimate.
What's next: Ballots must be postmarked by Tuesday or placed in an official drop box by 8pm on Election Day to be counted.