Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA) could face a serious challenge against a GOP state senator, as her district remains a toss-up.
Washington state Sen. John Braun entered the Republican primary Tuesday in hopes of being the GOP nominee to run for one of the 10 seats occupied by a Democrat and considered a toss-up in the 2026 midterm elections by the Cook Political Report.
“I know how to fight bad policy—and how to craft good policy that makes a difference for people here in Southwest Washington,” Braun said in a press release announcing his candidacy. “I look forward to working with President Trump on a positive agenda that gets America back on the right track.”
Braun is a Navy veteran and has served in the Washington state Senate since 2013. His family owns an emergency vehicle manufacturing business, and three of his four kids are also veterans.
“Whether in the Navy, running a small business, or serving in the state legislature, I’ve always focused on solving tough problems, clearing roadblocks, and helping others succeed,” Braun said. “In Congress, I’ll bring that same approach—working to lower costs for families, support American manufacturing, and expand opportunities for family-wage jobs here at home.”
Another GOP challenger, Antony Barran, has already announced his candidacy for the race and will take on Braun in the primary.
“After decades of navigating bureaucracy from the outside, Antony realized that real change won’t come from the sidelines,” Barran’s campaign website wrote. “He’s running for Congress because he believes it’s time for citizen leaders who believe in the power of the American Dream and in allowing business to thrive, not government to control.”
According to the Washington State Standard, Washington State Republican Party Chairman Jim Walsh could also challenge Gluesenkamp Perez.
The bids for Washington’s 3rd Congressional District come as the GOP hopes to widen its ultra-slim majority in the House. Historically, the House flips to the party opposite the White House in the midterm elections, as it has for the last five presidencies.
DEMOCRATS WORRY THEY’RE GETTING TOO OLD FOR OFFICE
Gluesenkamp Perez, 37, is in her second term and serves on the powerful House Appropriations Committee. She has been outspoken on fighting for mental acuity tests for lawmakers, which is part of a push from the Democratic Party to get the younger generation in office. The Washington Examiner reached out to her office for comment but has not received a response.
“I have rules up, down, and sideways about what kind of hat I can accept as a gift, but these bigger questions about whether or not an office is being run by the person who was elected or their staff has not been addressed in the way that it needs to be,” she said on CNN.