The candidate field is now set for Washington’s 2026 elections. Voters will decide all 98 seats in the Washington House of Representatives, 24 seats in the State Senate, five of the nine Washington Supreme Court positions, and all 10 congressional seats.
AGC’s BUILD PAC Senior Council has begun making endorsement recommendations for candidates across the state. Those endorsements can be found by clicking here and will continue to be updated over the coming months as additional decisions are made.
Candidate names on the website are linked to their campaign pages, where members can learn more about the candidates and find opportunities to support their campaigns.
It is important for AGC members and employees to participate in the August 4 primary election. Washington utilizes a top-two primary system, meaning the two candidates receiving the most votes advance to the November 3 general election regardless of party affiliation. Ballots will be mailed approximately 18 days before the election.
State Legislature
Democrats currently hold a 59–39 majority in the House and a 30–19 majority in the Senate.
A legislative supermajority would require Democrats to hold 66 seats in the House and 33 seats in the Senate. That means Democrats would need to gain seven additional House seats and three Senate seats in the 2026 election cycle to reach those thresholds.
A supermajority would:
- Allow Democrats to pass constitutional amendments.
- Provide a greater buffer against losing caucus members on difficult votes.
- Increase leverage over legislative rules, committee structures, and governance decisions.
While a Democratic supermajority in the Senate appears unlikely, political observers believe one in the House is possible. Republicans face vulnerabilities in several districts, including the 17th and 18th Legislative Districts in the Vancouver area. At the same time, some moderate Democratic lawmakers are facing strong primary challenges from the left, while a handful of Republican incumbents are also drawing challenges from more conservative candidates.
State Supreme Court
Washington’s 2026 Supreme Court elections are unusually significant because five of the court’s nine seats are on the ballot. The results could reshape the ideological balance of one of the nation’s most progressive state supreme courts.
The court is expected to hear major cases in the coming years involving tax policy, including challenges related to Washington’s income tax proposal passed by the Legislature in 2026. Both conservative and progressive organizations are preparing for substantial fundraising and outside spending in these races.
AGC’s Legal Affairs Committee will be conducting judicial candidates interviews and making endorsement recommendations to AGC’s BUILD PAC.
Congressional Races
At the federal level, AGC of America PAC supports congressional candidates. Click here to learn more about their PAC.
One of the most closely watched races in the country is expected to be in Washington’s 3rd Congressional District in southwest Washington. Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, a moderate Democrat, is facing intense competition from eight candidates in the primary, along with Senate Minority Leader John Braun emerging as the leading Republican contender. It is anticipated that this district will receive a lot of national funding and coverage from both parties.
In Central Washington, Congressman Dan Newhouse has announced he will not seek re-election, creating an open-seat contest in the 4th Congressional District. Eleven candidates have already entered the race.
State Senator Matt Boehnke and Yakima County Commissioner Amanda McKinney are considered the leading Republican candidates. Only one Democrat has filed for the seat, making the primary especially important in determining the race’s direction heading into November.
If you have any questions regarding the 2026 elections or how you can get involved, contact AGC’s Jerry VanderWood or Michele Willms.