In one of the country's most competitive districts, a Democrat tries to keep her seat

Washington’s 3rd Congressional District, spanning urban, industrial and rural communities in the southwest of the state, is again a major battleground. Republican Donald Trump has carried it three times, but Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez won the seat in 2022 and is seeking another term.

Her challenger is state Sen. John Braun, who says the district’s voters must be won over through personal outreach. Both candidates are considered moderates in their parties, run small businesses and live in rural communities.

The outcome could help determine which party controls the House. Democrats may need Perez to retain the district to win a majority, while Republicans are seeking a Braun victory to keep their control and advance Trump’s agenda.

Both candidates are emphasizing manufacturing, natural-resource jobs and support for small businesses. They differ on some major party issues, including abortion.

They also face the task of addressing varied local concerns, from those in the city of Vancouver to those in coastal rural towns. The race remains competitive, with each candidate needing to appeal beyond their party’s base.