2026 Washington primary election: What to know

As the primaries whittled down the surviving contenders for November, voters should do their research ahead of the big day. From the income tax debate to the state Supreme Court races, voters have some big decisions to make. And your vote will shape the philosophy and direction of this state for years to come. Beyond the primary, the big picture for this election cycle is that voters will get a direct say in November on several controversial issues. Initiative 645 is trying to repeal the income tax passed by Democrats targeting millionaires. Another initiative is about what kind of access parents should have when it comes to getting education and medical information from schools. A third issue deals with youth sports, with an initiative asking to keep transgender athletes from playing in girls' sports. The state Supreme Court could have the last word, especially on the income tax fight. That reality has thrusted the court races into the spotlight like never before. Campaign dollars are pouring in to shape five seats for the state's highest court, with constitutional rulings hanging in the balance. After all the final votes settle, the makeup of the state legislature in Olympia could also look very different. With all 98 House seats up for reelection, and around half of all Senate positions, 24 of them up for grabs. On the federal level, we have 10 US House seats with the most high profile battle in Southwest Washington, held by incumbent Democrat Marie Glusenkamp-Perez. It's a race, once again, important to the political makeup of Congress. As ballots for the primary are being counted, you can find the latest in the results right here on Seattle News Tonight and on our website, fox13seattle.com.