In one of the country's most competitive districts, a Democrat tries to keep her seat

Southwest Washington's 3rd Congressional District has become a pivotal battleground in the fight over House control. Democratic Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, who flipped the seat in 2022, is defending it against Republican state Sen. John Braun, who has President Trump's endorsement. Democrats probably need her to hold on to reach a majority, while Republicans need Braun to keep power and advance Trump's agenda. Each faces headwinds: she is an incumbent in a year hostile to incumbents, and he is running in a midterm climate that typically punishes the president's party, with Trump unpopular, NPR reports.

The district blends Vancouver's urban core with rural, timber-dependent and coastal communities, and voters there often split their tickets. Trump carried it three times. Both candidates are moderates in their parties, run small businesses, live in rural towns and stress blue-collar jobs, natural resources and small-business support. They differ on issues such as abortion. Braun owns an emergency vehicle manufacturer, says tariffs have raised his material costs, and would part ways with Trump on broad use of them. Longview Mayor Erik Halvorson says tariffs have hurt local industry and that voters weigh the person over the party, valuing authenticity and loyalty.

Summarized by PolitiKool from NPR’s reporting. Read the full story at NPR →