WAWG
By Diana Carlen
Lobbyist, Washington Association of Wheat Growers
While nationally there were significant elections this November, Washington state also had some notable races in an off-year election. Nine legislative races were on the ballot for members who were appointed to their seats and were running to retain them. Of those nine races, three candidates were running unopposed, two were considered safe for the incumbent, and four were competitive.
Both nationally and within Washington state, the Democrats did well. Senate Republicans were hoping to flip two Senate seats, but were unsuccessful. As a result, the current makeup of the legislature will remain the same. In addition, there were a couple of races pitting two Democrats together, and in both of these races, the more progressive Democrat prevailed.
Counties will certify results on Nov. 25, followed by statewide certification by the Secretary of State in early December.
Here are the results from the key legislative races:
- Legislative District 5 – Senate: Appointed Democrat Sen. Victoria Hunt defeated Republican former House member Chad Magendanz.
- Legislative District 26 – Senate: Appointed Democrat Sen. Deborah Krishnadasan defeated Republican House member Michelle Caldier. This was the key legislative race to watch and the most expensive race this fall. The 26th Legislative District is a true swing district. While Rep. Caldier was unsuccessful in her Senate bid, she had a free pass to run for this Senate seat as it was an off-cycle year and will continue to serve in the House.
- Legislative District 48 – Senate: Appointed Democrat Sen. Vandana Slatter defeated Democrat House member Amy Walen. Rep. Amy Walen was considered the moderate, business friendly candidate in this race. Walen will retain her House seat.
- Legislative District 33rd – House: On election night, appointed Democrat Rep. Edwin Obras was trailing Democrat challenger Kevin Schilling. Kevin Schilling is considered the moderate democrat in this race. However, Rep. Obras took the lead, but this race is too close to call.
- Legislative District 41 – House: Appointed Democrat Rep. Janice Zahn defeated Republican John Whitney.
- Legislative District 48 – House: Appointed Democrat Rep. Osman Salahuddin defeated Republican Dennis Ellis.
Other notable ballot and local races:
- Senate Joint Resolution 8201 – Investment of WA Cares Dollars: This state ballot measure proposes a constitutional amendment that would allow the Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Trust Fund, also known as the WA Cares Fund, to be invested in a broader range of financial instruments, including stocks and other equities, rather than being limited to low-yield fixed-income securities like government bonds and certificates of deposit. It is projected to pass.
Approved: 56.85% (843,412) – Rejected: 43.15% (640,145)
- Olympia Proposition 1: This local ballot measure would have required employers in Olympia to pay a $20 minimum wage, enforce predictive scheduling requirements, offer available hours to existing workers before hiring new employers, and put other conditions on employers. It is projected to fail.
Approved: 46.87% (7,340) – Rejected: 53.13% (8,319)