Shared with us from Jim Hedrick, NYBA lobbyist:

"Top Five Takeaways from Washington's 2026 Primary Election

1. Progressive Democratic challenges largely failed to gain traction - asseveral high-profile progressive Democratic candidates challenged incumbent legislators viewed as more moderate or establishment Democrats. Based on the initial primary results, those efforts generally fell short.

The most closely watched contest was in Seattle's 43rd Legislative District, where Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen, sponsor of the proposed Millionaires' Tax legislation, overwhelmingly outpaced challenger Hannah Sabio-Howell. Pedersen received more than 71 percent of the initial vote compared with Sabio-Howell's 17.9 percent, demonstrating strong support among Democratic primary voters despite organized opposition from the party's progressive wing. Although both candidates advance to the November general election under Washington's Top Two Primary system, the primary results significantly diminish expectations of a broader progressive insurgency.

A similar pattern emerged in north Seattle's 46th Legislative District. Representative Gerry Pollet led challenger Will Dreher by more than 20 percentage points, while Representative David Hackney secured a comfortable lead over two challengers and will face Ashley Fedan in November. Collectively, these races suggest Democratic voters generally favored incumbent legislators over progressive challengers.

2. Southwest Washington legislative districts present the Republican Party's greatest risk - The most competitive legislative races in the state appear concentrated in Clark County and surrounding southwest Washington districts. In the 17th Legislative District, Republican Representatives Kevin Waters and David Stuebe each received less than 44 percent of the initial primary vote against Democratic challengers. In neighboring 18th District, Representative Stephanie McClintock also trailed on election night, while Representative John Ley—whose guilty plea related to residency-based voter fraud has become a central campaign issue—was likewise behind his Democratic opponent.

These four House races represent some of the strongest pickup opportunities for Democrats this fall. If Democrats prevail in even one or two of these contests, they would further expand their already substantial House majority.

3. Voters will have a choice in Washington Supreme Court elections this Fall - 3 of the 4 contested Washington Supreme Court races produced general election matchups featuring candidates viewed as representing differing judicial philosophies. Moderate Dave Larson advanced to face Ferguson appointed Justice Theo Angelis. Moderate David Stevens will compete against Jaime Michelle Hawk, while more moderate Scott Edwards moves on to face Colleen Melody. Chief Justice Debra Stephens advanced comfortably and appears well positioned for another term.

Although Washington judicial races are officially nonpartisan, these contests are expected to attract significant attention and outside spending as interest groups seek to influence the ideological direction of the state's highest court.

4. Democrats remain positioned to make modest legislative gains . . . again - Based on the initial primary returns, district competitiveness, and the current political environment, Democrats appear positioned to make modest gains in the House while maintaining their existing Senate majority.

Currently, Democrats hold a 59-39 majority in the House and a 30-19 majority in the Senate. A net gain of one to four House seats appears plausible heading into November, while the Senate map offers Republicans relatively few realistic pickup opportunities.

Even with additional House gains, Democrats would remain short of the two-thirds supermajority required for certain legislative actions, which would require 65 House seats and 33 Senate seats.

5. Washington's 3rd Congressional District is emerging as the state's marquee race - incumbent Democratic Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and Senate Minority Leader John Braun will be Washington’s, if not the nation’s. premier congressional contest.

Initial primary returns showed Braun trailing by only 263 votes, an encouraging result for Republicans in a district that has consistently produced competitive general elections. The close margin signals that both national parties are likely to devote significant financial resources and organizational attention to the race over the next three months.

Given the district's history of close elections and its importance to the balance of power in Congress, the 3rd Congressional District is expected to become one of Washington's most closely watched and expensive campaigns heading into November."