Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez Wins Reelection in Washington's closely watched 3rd District

Seattle: First-term Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez won reelection Saturday in southwestern Washington state's closely watched 3rd Congressional District, surviving a rematch with Republican Joe Kent.

Two years ago, Gluesenkamp Perez, who owns an auto-repair shop with her husband, came out of where to win seat, which hn't been in Democratic hands for over a dece. She beat Trump-endorsed Kent by fewer than 3,000 votes out of nearly 320,000 cast, making it one of closest races in country and setting st for a tough election fight this year.

Her predecessor, Republican Jaime Herrera Beutler, held office for six terms but failed to survive 2022 primary after voting to impeach Trump over January 6 insurrection. district narrowly went for Trump in 2020, making it a crucial target for both parties this year.

race gained ditional attention last week when an arson attack struck a ballot box in Vancouver — district's biggest city — scorching hundreds of ballots. People who cast ir votes in that box were urged to contact county auditor's office to receive replacement ballots.

Gluesenkamp Perez has balanced progressive policies with some measures popular with Republicans during her tenure, including securing U.S-Mexico border — something she criticizes Biden for failing to do — and introducing a constitutional amendment to force presidents to balance budget.

She supports abortion access and has hammered Kent, who previously said he supported a national abortion ban, for changing his position after Supreme Court overturned Roe v. We. Kent w says abortion laws should be left up to states.

Gluesenkamp Perez supports policies to counter climate change but also speaks openly about being a gun owner. A top priority is pushing a “right to repair” bill that would help people get equipment fixed without having to pay exorbitant prices to original manufacturer.

Kent, a former Green Beret who has called for impeachment of President Joe Biden , cited inflation and illegal immigration as top concerns.

two disagreed on a major local issue: replacement of a major bridge across Columbia River between Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington. Gluesenkamp Perez supports plans to replace existing bridge, Kent argued that a separate new bridge should be built while old one is maintained. 

(Except for heline, this story has t been edited by Republic and is published from a syndicated feed.)