8th Congressional District - Washington
The Associated Press has called this race for U.S. Rep. Kim Schrier, the Democratic incumbent.
Schrier leads Republican challenger Matt Larkin by more than 10,000 votes.
In a press release, Schrier's campaign said the two-term incumbent earned "meaningful support" from both sides and held onto a seat that some pundits predicted would be easy to flip.
“Republicans attacked the Congresswoman on the airwaves for months and spent over $8 million in their efforts to flip this seat, with nothing to show for it,” said campaign spokesperson Hana Tadesse. “The voters of the eighth district made it clear who they want representing them. This decisive victory proved there is no one better suited for the job than Kim.”
"I am honored to represent this district once again in Congress,” Rep. Schrier said. “This election was a choice about who this district wants as their voice in the other Washington. I am thrilled that our work to bring down costs, protect a woman's right to choose, and support local police resonated with people across the 8th district."
Until 2018, Washington's 8th Congressional District was a solid red seat. Schrier managed to flip it after the retirement of longtime Republican Congressman Dave Reichert.
King County (Washington) Prosecuting Attorney
Jim Ferrell has conceded the race to Leesa Manion.
In a statement posted to Twitter, Ferrell wished his opponent success in trying to turn the tide of violence.
While both candidates are Democrats, Ferrell was widely considered to be the more "tough on crime" candidate. The two diverged on several issues, but diversion for juvenile offenders became a top talking pointing. Manion, who has been the current prosecutor's chief of staff for years, supports a new program called Restorative Community Pathways, which allows young people to be sent straight into community programs rather than through the criminal justice system. Ferrell believes the program goes too far.
Washington Secretary of State
Julie Anderson has conceded the race to Democrat Steve Hobbs, ending her nonpartisan bid to be the state's top elections official.
Hobbs was perhaps aided in his win by a last-minute Republican write-in campaign. State Rep. Brad Klippert launched a write-in bid to give voters a conservative option. So far, write-in votes for the race top 85,000. Anderson trails Hobbs by around 50,000.
In a statement, Anderson said she appreciates the support voters of all stripes gave to her campaign.
“I knew this would be a tough race but believed strongly it needed to be run. Voters deserved to have the choice of an experienced elections administrator — without party strings attached. While many voters made that choice, it wasn’t quite enough."
To track the latest election results in Washington state, visit the Secretary of State's website.
Note: Friday's podcast will post at 6pm PT to allow for latest ballot results to come in. Friday's drop could decide close races, such as Washington's 3rd Congressional District, which remains too close to call.
