Election Day 2026: Key WA Congressional Races

This election day, we are tracking several key congressional races that could play a role in determining who controls the Congress. And there is a lot on the ballot here in Washington that's compelling people to vote. Fox 13's John Hopperstead just spoke with a political science professor about some of the biggest races. John, good morning. Good morning, Aaron. Yeah, Patrick Shatmer from Seattle University. He says there's no reason to sit out this election here in Washington. There are five open seats on the state Supreme Court. That is highly unusual, but it'll have a huge impact on how state law is interpreted for years to come. He also spoke about District three's congressional race to our south between incumbent Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and Republican State Senator John Braun. This has a national focus right now. President Trump has endorsed Braun and more than 20 million dollars has reportedly been poured into this election from outside groups. There are also several controversial issues on the ballot as well. Question on repealing the millionaire's tax on transgender athletes in schools and a parent's bill of rights. And Professor Shatner believes these could actually drive voter turnout. I think that we've often seen parties try to use initiatives that could gin up their base when they don't expect good turnout and I think this will help Republicans to some degree there are a lot of Republicans who might not be feeling particularly excited about the state of the country but they have strong feelings about parents Bill of Rights like for one or transgender athletes and 635 that could get them to turn out and I think that We'll boost Republican turnout a little bit, although if we look at where we are in the state, we are a little behind where we were in 2022, where turnout isn't quite as good as what it was. Now, during the midterms in 2022, we had about 64% voter turnout. The professor says progressive voters who are more energized, they tend to vote later. So we should see a massive turnout today that will likely get us back to that same 64, 65% turnout this midterm. But, of course, we will wait and see, guys.