Democratic Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez is projected by CBS News to win a third term in Washington’s 3rd District, preserving a seat Democrats needed in their effort to regain the House majority.
CBS News projected Perez’s victory over Republican state Sen. John Braun in the rural district in southwestern Washington. The result keeps the seat with Democrats as the party moves toward control of the chamber.
The race followed a dispute over votes inside the Democratic caucus. In September, Perez joined Republicans on two procedural measures that were struggling to pass. House Democratic leaders called the move a breach of trust and said it required a serious response, CBS News reported. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee continued to back her, according to the network.
In an October advertisement coordinated with the committee, Perez said, “I don't answer to any political party or any president. I answer to you.” CBS News reported the ad and quotation.
Braun also criticized tariffs at an Oct. 13 debate. He said the indiscriminate use of tariffs with allies could increase prices for manufacturers and consumers, CBS News reported.
Democrats will control the House from January, CBS News reported, after winning races nationwide.
