The filing week for the Washington state legislature wrapped up, marking the start of a cycle that could reshape Olympia’s political landscape. Democrats need to pick up seven seats in the House and three in the Senate to reach a two-thirds supermajority, which would allow them to pass laws without Republican support, propose constitutional amendments and override the governor’s veto. In practice, that would be a key advantage for budget and tax decisions, since Republicans would lose the ability to block initiatives.
Holding a supermajority would have a major impact on the state’s future policy. In particular, Democrats could advance a bill to move up the next legislative redistricting (House Bill 1243), which proposes shifting the redistricting review from 2031 to 2026. House Majority Leader Joe Fitzgibbon said the proposal would be seriously considered in the next session if the party wins the necessary seats. Democrats argue it would account for demographic and political changes since 2020, while Republicans criticize the move as an attempt to manipulate elections.
Democrats see parallels with 2018, when a wave of dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump helped them pick up ten seats in the state House. But Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen is skeptical about the party’s chances of a supermajority in the Senate, noting that voters will still have the final say in November’s elections.
This year all 98 House seats and 24 of the state’s 49 Senate seats are on the line. August’s primary will advance the top two candidates from each district regardless of party. Several open seats left by departing incumbents have drawn newcomers from both parties.
Particular attention is focused on the 26th Legislative District, which stretches from Bremerton to Gig Harbor and remains one of the state’s last “purple” districts, where votes are split nearly evenly between parties. There Democrats are defending incumbent representative Addison Richards’s seat and targeting the seat of Republican Michelle Valdez, who is not seeking re-election. The outcome in that district could determine which party controls the House.
In neighboring District 17 in Clark County, Republicans are trying to hold on despite 2024 redistricting changes. Democrats see the area as one of their best pickup opportunities. Also in focus is the 18th District, where Republicans still have ground to stand on despite a recent loss of a Senate seat.
The 42nd District remains highly competitive, with all three seats up for grabs after Democratic Sen. Sharon Sheumack’s departure. That seat flipped to Democrats in 2022 by just 800 votes. Now two Democrats, one Republican and one independent are running for it.
Party leaders differ in their read of voter sentiment. Democratic Chair Shasti Conrad says residents are worried about high gas prices, the cost of living and health care, as well as actions by the Trump administration. She sees a “real surge of engagement” in politics driven by the “catastrophic” policies of the president.
Republican Chair Jim Walsh, meanwhile, says voters are more concerned about Democrats’ “reckless” spending in Olympia, a new income tax proposal and public safety issues. He attributes high fuel prices not to international conflicts but to the state’s environmental policy, specifically the Climate Commitment Act that includes a carbon fee, which raises fuel costs. He characterizes Democratic rhetoric about Trump as “fatigue with Trumpian madness.” Candidates can withdraw from races through May 11.
Based on: WA filing week closes with Democrats eyeing supermajority in Olympia