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Sunday, Apr 12, 2026
Outside the box.
Incumbent Washington Legislative Democrats Maintain Leads as Early Returns Arrive
Preliminary ballot counts show incumbents holding steady in key districts, while one intra-party challenger leads in King County’s 33rd.
In Washington state’s early legislative results, several incumbent Democrats appear positioned to retain their seats, while one intra-party contest in south King County is taking a closer turn.
In the 5th Legislative District, freshman state Senator Victoria Hunt (D-Issaquah) is leading former state lawmaker Chad Magendanz (R) with approximately 54.5 % of the vote to his 45.3 %.
Meanwhile, in the 48th District, state Senator Vandana Slatter (D-Bellevue) holds a lead over her Democratic challenger, state Representative Amy Walen (D-Kirkland), with 56 % to 42.3 %; the two advanced from their August primary.
In southern King County’s 33rd District, a lively intra-party battle is developing.
Mayor Kevin Schilling (D-Burien) is leading state Representative Edwin Obras (D-SeaTac) with roughly 50.2 % to 47.2 %, a margin of only around 350 votes.
Schilling is positioning himself as a moderate alternative within the Democratic field, while Obras is considered the establishment candidate.
Other safe-seat incumbents are delivering consistent showings.
Representatives Janice Zahn (D-Bellevue) and Osman Salahuddin (D-Redmond), plus Senators Tina Orwall (D-Des Moines) and Emily Alvarado (D-Seattle), as well as Representative Brianna Thomas (D-West Seattle) all appear secure, with some running unopposed or facing minimal opposition.
With ballots still being counted and drop-box returns streaming in, all results remain unofficial until certified.
Nonetheless, the early data suggest Democratic incumbents in Western Washington are largely holding firm — except in the 33rd where intra-party contestation is sharpening — and the expected dominant Democratic position in the Legislature remains intact heading deeper into this election cycle.
In the 5th Legislative District, freshman state Senator Victoria Hunt (D-Issaquah) is leading former state lawmaker Chad Magendanz (R) with approximately 54.5 % of the vote to his 45.3 %.
Meanwhile, in the 48th District, state Senator Vandana Slatter (D-Bellevue) holds a lead over her Democratic challenger, state Representative Amy Walen (D-Kirkland), with 56 % to 42.3 %; the two advanced from their August primary.
In southern King County’s 33rd District, a lively intra-party battle is developing.
Mayor Kevin Schilling (D-Burien) is leading state Representative Edwin Obras (D-SeaTac) with roughly 50.2 % to 47.2 %, a margin of only around 350 votes.
Schilling is positioning himself as a moderate alternative within the Democratic field, while Obras is considered the establishment candidate.
Other safe-seat incumbents are delivering consistent showings.
Representatives Janice Zahn (D-Bellevue) and Osman Salahuddin (D-Redmond), plus Senators Tina Orwall (D-Des Moines) and Emily Alvarado (D-Seattle), as well as Representative Brianna Thomas (D-West Seattle) all appear secure, with some running unopposed or facing minimal opposition.
With ballots still being counted and drop-box returns streaming in, all results remain unofficial until certified.
Nonetheless, the early data suggest Democratic incumbents in Western Washington are largely holding firm — except in the 33rd where intra-party contestation is sharpening — and the expected dominant Democratic position in the Legislature remains intact heading deeper into this election cycle.
