2026 Primary Election Takeaways
Our strategic investments in key regions, defense of environmental champions, and efforts to expand pro-environment majorities in the Washington State Legislature delivered strong results in the 2026 Primary Election. By focusing on increasing turnout and drop box ballot returns, Washington is poised for significant gains in pro-environmental leadership in the November General Election.
Defending Environmental Champions
In King County, Sen. Rebecca Saldaña advanced in her campaign for King County Council with 55.8% of the vote. Redmond City Councilmember Vanessa Kritzer advanced to the General Election in the 45th Legislative District House race with 62.73%. In Clark County, WCA-endorsed candidates running to flip seats in long-held, anti-environment legislative districts also posted commanding victories. Ben Christly (District 17, Position 1) and Diana Perez (District 17, Position 2) advanced with 52.4% and 54.9%, respectively. These results set up competitive November races that could flip both seats.
Federal Attacks on Voting Felt in Washington
Washington saw lower-than-expected turnout in the 2026 Primary Election, with turnout currently around 36.7%, compared with 40.2% in 2022. At the same time, attacks on mail-in voting and changes to U.S. Postal Service postmark rules prompted Washington Conservation Action, partner organizations, and election officials to increase efforts to encourage voters to use ballot drop boxes and return their ballots early. Those efforts contributed to a 14% increase in ballot drop box usage compared with 2022.
Looking ahead to November, combating election denialism and protecting voter confidence will remain a central focus. We will continue engaging in pivotal county auditor races in Yakima, Clark, and Mason counties, targeting low turnout and distrust in Washington’s elections.
