(The Center Square) – As the clocks struck 8 p.m. on Tuesday, relief swept over the state’s Republican minority as the GOP held firm in eastern Washington, preventing the loss of even more seats.
Eastern Washington is home to Spokane, the state’s second most populous city, and five legislative districts, each consisting of a state Senator and two state Representatives. Democrats have held control over the state’s trifecta since 2018, but the eastern districts tend to lean right of the majority.
The primary election in August solidified the top two candidates for each race, who then advanced to the general election. While many across the state are still too close to call, others showed the GOP’s minority holding firm in eastern Washington, putting up a wall to a widening gap between parties.
Democrats currently hold a 58-40 majority in the state House of Representatives and a 29-20 lead in the Senate. This article examines Tuesday night’s initial results as ballots are counted.
3rd Legislative District
Washington’s 3rd Legislative District saw some of the most consequential results of the 2024 general election, with Republicans defeated in a quest to secure a seat in the entirely blue region.
The district encompasses most of the city of Spokane and small areas outside the city limits; however, despite being a more conservative-leaning region, the city itself hasn’t voted Republican in decades, and it apparently will stay that way at least until the next election cycle.
As Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig finishes his final term representing the 3rd District, Rep. Marcus Riccelli swept in to secure the seat while vacating his own in the House of Representatives. Riccelli garnered 61.45% of the vote by Tuesday night, leading against Republican challenger Jim Wilson.
Democrat Natasha Hill appears to have taken Riccelli’s empty seat in the House, leading with 59.48% of the vote against Republican Tony Kiepe as results came in on Tuesday. Kiepe led the primaries in August against Hill and Democrat Ben Stuckart but missed his shot this time based on initial results.
Incumbent Rep. Timm Ormsby ran unopposed, keeping his House seat within the party.
4th Legislative District
Sen. Mike Padden is also vacating his seat for the 4th District, but unlike Billig, his departure left a chance for Democrats to flip one of eastern Washington’s Republican-controlled districts.
Rep. Leonard Christian left his spot in the House to run for Padden’s in the Senate. He and Democrat Miguel Valencia led the primaries, with Christian appearing to pull ahead in the general election. There is still more ballots to count, but Tuesday’s results showed Christian leading with 63.83% of the vote.
Incumbent Rep. Suzanne Schmidt retained her House seat, managing to rise above Kristopher Pockell with 68.59% of the vote. Meanwhile, Republican Rob Chase led the race for Christian’s seat with 63.08% of the vote on Tuesday against Democrat Ted Cumming, who won the primary by 139 votes.
6th Legislative District
Republican Sen. Jeff Holy and both of the 6th District’s House seats will continue representing much of Spokane County. Holy wasn’t up for reelection this time around, but Republican incumbents Rep. Mike Volz and Rep. Jenny Graham both faced competition from across the aisle.
Volz beat his Democrat challenger, Steven McCray II, leading by 62.07% of the vote on Tuesday night. Graham secured her win against Democrat Michaela Kelso with 60.03% of the votes.
7th Legislative District
The 7th District, one of the largest in the state, will have two new House Representatives entering office next term. Fresh to district leadership, Republican Andrew Engell pulled ahead of Republican Soo Ing-Moody with 63.03% of the vote.
Republican Hunter Abell appears to have secured the second seat on Tuesday, keeping that seat for Republicans. He led against Democrat Paul Dean with 69.99% of the vote based on initial results. Republican Sen. Shelly Short isn’t up for reelection, meaning she, Engell and Abell will carry on the district’s red stamp.
9th Legislative District
The 9th District, like the 7th District, is also one of the largest in the state and maintained its Republican control on Tuesday. Sen. Mark Schoesler, who was charged with driving under the influence in September, will go on to serve another term after running unopposed.
Incumbent Rep. Mary Dye faced competition from across the aisle, beating Democrat Patrick Miller with 66.29% of the vote. Rep. Joe Schmick also secured another term, leading Tuesday night with 65.21% of the vote against Democrat Pam Kohlmeier.
