Republican state Rep. Michelle Caldier concedes heated race for state Senate
State Rep. Michelle Caldier had hoped to ascend to the Senate in the Nov. 4 general election. On Nov. 6, after a tight race, the Republican conceded the election — and her opponent is celebrating victory.
Caldier attempted to topple Democratic state Sen. Deb Krishnadasan, who was appointed last December to represent the 26th Legislative District, which covers parts of Pierce and Kitsap counties.
Early returns showed Krishnadasan in the lead by more than 1,800 votes. As of the evening of Nov. 6, she counted 52.05% of the vote to Caldier’s 47.84% — or 24,383 votes to Caldier’s 22,413.
Caldier posted Nov. 6 on Facebook that while she was disappointed, the voters had spoken.
“I feel very sad for our state,” she told McClatchy in a call. “You have to accept that if the public wants to go a different direction than what you’re wanting, it’s OK.”
Krishnadasan issued a statement later Nov. 6, noting that her campaign focused on fixing issues instead of partisan scraps.
“Despite one of the most expensive waves of corporate-funded attack ads in history, voters saw through the noise and stood up for progress and collaboration,” Krishnadasan said. “They chose partnership over partisanship and substance over cynicism.”
New and increased taxes and fees loomed over the 26th District race, as did the broader national political climate under President Donald Trump. But Krishnadasan had voted against the major tax policies supporting the Democrats’ operating budget.
Still, Caldier advertised herself as a needed addition to the upper chamber, which Democrats rule 30-19. She argued that a vote for her was a vote to restore balance to the state Legislature.
Looking ahead, Caldier said that people should expect to “have their wallets out.”
“That’s what we’re going to be known for,” she said.
Krishnadasan said her work is about uniting communities, even during national division and chaos. Empathy, honesty and kindness are values she’s looked to reaffirm.
“I remain committed to working with Representatives Caldier and (Adison) Richards to deliver meaningful results for the 26th District,” she said. “Let’s keep working together!”
Jared Leopold, spokesperson for New Direction PAC, said in an emailed statement that voters wanted a candidate “who will fight for them and stand up to Donald Trump.” That’s why, he said, Krishnadasan won.
“Michelle Caldier was squeezed between an electorate that opposes Trump and the Jesse Young wing of the party that demanded 100% allegiance to the MAGA agenda,” Leopold said. “This race is a sign that voters support Democratic leadership in Olympia and will reject candidates who don’t distance themselves from Trump.”
WA Nov. 4 election results
Other Democratic lawmakers seem poised to hang onto their seats.
As of Thursday evening, state Sen. Victoria Hunt in the 5th Legislative District had earned 19,892 votes (55.8%), while Republican challenger Chad Mangendanz, a former state representative, had gotten 15,706 (44.1%).
Meanwhile, Democratic state Rep. Janice Zahn in the 41st District attained 21,755 votes (70.1%) over Republican John Whitney’s 9,236 votes (29.8%). Her colleague, Democratic state Rep. Osman Salahuddin from the 48th District, is also ahead with 14,598 votes (68.75%) to Republican Dennis Ellis’ 6,613 votes (31.14%).
State Sen. Vandana Slatter in LD 48 (11,266 votes; 56.5%) also appears to have warded off a challenge from the more moderate Democratic state Rep. Amy Walen (8,419 votes; 42.2%).
And Democratic state Rep. Edwin Obras in the 33rd District seems to have eked out a win against Burien Mayor Kevin Schilling, the latter of whom counted 205 fewer votes as of Thursday evening.
This story was originally published November 7, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
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