WA legislative challengers raise big money to oust incumbents
OLYMPIA - Washington's legislative races are off to an expensive start, with several challengers amassing campaign war chests that dwarf those of incumbent candidates just a few weeks after entering the race.
The early fundraising surge offers a glimpse into where political donors, activists and interest groups see opportunities to reshape the Legislature. While campaign funds do not guarantee victory, large fundraising advantages can help candidates build name recognition, reach voters and signal broader political momentum.
Several of the most competitive contests this 2026 midterm cycle are not between Democrats and Republicans, but between candidates from the same party who disagree over issues ranging from housing and public safety to the pace of policy change.
With Washington's Aug. 4 primary approaching, the races could test the strength of incumbency and help shape the ideological direction of both caucuses in Olympia.
Nearly 300 candidates have filed for legislative seats in districts throughout the state. Here are several competitive legislative races to watch:
12th legislative district
In the 12th Legislative District, which includes all of Chelan County and parts of King and Snohomish counties, incumbent Rep. Mike Steele, R-Chelan, is facing a Republican challenger who has so far raised nearly $300,000 more than the longtime lawmaker.
Adam James is the executive pastor of ministries at Grace City Church, a conservative mega church in Wenatchee that has delivered sermon series including "The Art of War: How to Defeat Your Unseen Enemies," "Lies We Believe About Sex, Singleness, & Marriage" and "The Purpose of Government."
On his website James said he will "contend for just policies that protect and defend" values including faith, family, free markets, lower taxes and legal immigration. That message appears to be resonating with supporters: James has raised nearly $328,000, largely from individual donors, with several weeks to go before the primary.
Steele has raised over $45,000 so far, with contributions from donors like Puget Sound Energy, Microsoft President Brad Smith, several PACs and individual donors. Steele has been a House lawmaker since 2017 and is a ranking Republican on the House Capital Budget Committee.
On his campaign website, he lists education, lowering regulatory burdens on small businesses, responsible budgeting and expanding access to affordable healthcare among his priorities.
Maggie Adams, a Democrat, has also filed for the seat and has so far raised just over $2,000.
46th Legislative District
Another competitive race is emerging in the 46th Legislative District where two Democrats are bidding for a seat long held by incumbent Rep. Gerry Pollet, D-Seattle. Both challengers have far outraised Pollet so far this cycle.
Will Dreher, a former federal prosecutor best known for prosecuting dozens of Jan. 6 rioters, says on his website that he is focused on issues like threats from artificial intelligence, affordable housing, education and public safety issues. He has raised nearly $250,000, with most of that money coming from individual donors.
His other challenger is Ron Paul Davis, a community advocate and consultant who has raised more than $132,000, primarily from individual contributors. On his website, Davis says he is running to challenge the "status quo" and lists housing and childcare affordability and protections for consumers and workers from AI-related harms among his priorities.
Pollet, who has represented the district since 2011, trails both challengers in fundraising and has raised more than $80,000. An additional $75,000 is in his chest from his last campaign.
Most of his contributions have come from individual donors, though several tribes and labor organizations, including SEIU and the Washington Federation of State Employees, have also contributed.
Pollet has been outspoken on legislative transparency issues and says he will continue prioritizing education, reproductive rights and mental health services.
32nd Legislative District
Perhaps the most closely watched intraparty contest is unfolding in the 32nd Legislative District, where Democratic Rep. Cindy Ryu of Shoreline is vying to unseat incumbent Sen. Jesse Salomon.
Ryu, who has served in the House since 2011, has previously said she is running against her fellow Democrat because she believes he is too moderate. Salomon considers himself a practical progressive.
Ryu has raised nearly $147,000, drawing support from individual donors, PACs including the Washington State Dental PAC and State Farm Federal PAC, and $800 from the state Democratic Central Committee. She said she would continue focusing on fully funding education, housing, consumer protection and reproductive rights.
Salomon assumed his Senate seat in 2019 and said on his campaign website that he wants to continue focusing on affordability, healthcare and accountability measures for Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. His campaign has raised $128,000 this cycle, including contributions from individuals, PACs such as the Rental Housing Association and Washington Charters and several corporate donors. About $18,000 rolled over from his previous campaign.
The race also highlights policy differences within the Democratic Party, though both candidates voted in favor of a controversial statewide cap on rent increases in 2025.
Republican candidate Ira McBee has also filed for the seat and has raised more than $7,600.
Correction: An initial version of this article was updated to include campaign funds carried over from previous election cycles for Rep. Gerry Pollet and Sen. Jesse Salomon.
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