Democrats Expand Majorities in Washington State Elections
Democrats are on track to expand their majorities in the Washington state legislature while voters reject a millionaires tax repeal.
Early results from the November 4, 2026, election indicate that Democrats are poised to expand their majorities in the Washington state House and Senate. The party is leading in several Republican-held districts, specifically in the Yakima Valley and southwest Washington, and may secure a two-thirds supermajority in the lower chamber.
Despite these gains, the party faces internal divisions as progressive challengers lead several incumbent Democrats who opposed a high-earners income tax. In a related ballot measure, voters rejected a repeal of the millionaires tax by more than 16 points.
Social issues produced contrasting results. Initiative 638, which proposes banning transgender girls from girls' sports, leads with approximately 57% of the vote. However, Jaelynn Scott is set to become the first openly transgender state lawmaker elected to the legislature, representing Seattle's 37th district. State Representative Gerry Pollet also declared victory in his reelection bid.
