WASHINGTON — John Braun, Washington state Senate minority leader, won the Republican primary Tuesday and will challenge incumbent Rep. Marie Glusenkamp Perez, a Democrat, in the November general election, according to preliminary results from Decision Desk HQ. President Trump endorsed Braun in the race.
The November contest for Washington's 3rd Congressional District is expected to be one of the country's most competitive House races, with both parties fighting for control of the chamber.
Braun defeated two other candidates to secure his party's nomination. He is a U.S. Army veteran and owns Braun Northwest, a vehicle manufacturing company.
An early poll showed the general election within a point: 43 percent for Braun, 42 percent for Glusenkamp Perez, with 16 percent undecided.
Republican consultant Hays said the tight numbers were "a good sign for Braun," arguing that close early polling against an incumbent signals opportunity for the challenger.
Hays also identified a key voter segment in the district — conservatives who did not back Trump in 2024 and previously sided with Glusenkamp Perez over her last Republican opponent. Winning some of those voters, he said, will be decisive in November.
The district has flipped between parties in recent election cycles. Republicans currently hold a narrow House majority, and the outcome of this race will help determine whether they keep it.
