Gluesenkamp Perez faces a new GOP test in Washington's 3rd district
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Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, left, and John Braun. Photos: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images and Washington State Legislative Support Services
The Democrat who flipped Washington's 3rd Congressional District blue four years ago faces a different kind of challenger this year: A more moderate Republican than the far-right candidate she defeated twice.
Why it matters: U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez has been held up as a model for Democrats trying to win in Trump-voting districts. But her race this year against state Senate Minority Leader John Braun (R-Centralia) puts her political approach to a new test.
- The contest in the Southwest Washington swing district is one of about 50 races that are expected to determine control of the U.S. House.
Flashback: In 2022 and 2024, Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Skamania County) defeated Republican candidate Joe Kent, who had claimed without evidence that the 2020 presidential election was "rigged and stolen."
- Kent also characterized the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol as "an intelligence operation" and the defendants being held in connection to it as "political prisoners."
What they're saying: By contrast, Braun — a 13-year-veteran of the state Legislature and president of an ambulance manufacturing company — has painted himself as a Republican in a more traditional mold.
- On the campaign trail, he's expressed support for lower taxes, while disagreeing with Trump's tariff policies and questioning some of the administration's recent immigration enforcement actions.
- In a recent debate, Braun criticized Gluesenkamp Perez for not voting for H.R. 1 — President Trump's "big, beautiful bill" — which Braun said contained tax breaks that benefited 3rd district residents.
The other side: Gluesenkamp Perez, who ran an auto shop with her husband before heading to Congress, has attacked Braun for supporting H.R. 1, which cut Medicaid spending in part by imposing new work requirements.
- She's touted herself as an independent voice for the district while breaking with Democrats on several key issues in Congress, including opposing President Biden's student loan forgiveness plan.
- Gluesenkamp Perez also supported the SAVE Act, which would require proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections. And she recently sided with Republicans on a pair of procedural votes, angering Democratic leaders.
- Her breaks with Democrats could cost her progressive votes, but it's unclear how many — or whether she can retain enough support from moderate Republicans to make up the difference, longtime GOP political consultant Alex Hays told Axios.
Between the lines: While some polling has shown the two candidates neck-and-neck, Braun faces national headwinds this year.
- Sabato's Crystal Ball and the Cook Political Report rate the race as leaning Democratic — a shift from two years ago, when it was considered a tossup.
- Democratic political consultant Sandeep Kaushik, who worked on Gluesenkamp Perez's 2022 campaign, said progressive voters may rally behind Gluesenkamp Perez despite disagreements over her record, motivated by opposition to President Trump.
What's next: Ballots must be placed in a drop box by 8pm Tuesday to be counted, or mailed and postmarked by Election Day.