Eastern Washington Republicans appear poised to return to Congress initial election results show.
Cathy McMorris Rodgers, who is seeking her 10th term in Congress, was leading with 58 percent of votes across the Fifth Congressional District on election day and about 55 percent of votes in Spokane County.
Her opponent, Spokane attorney Natasha Hill, took about 41 percent of votes district-wide.
McMorris Rodgers, as well as state Republican party leaders, have focused on Hill’s past comments during racial justice protests, when Hill called for defunding the police.
On the campaign trail, McMorris Rodgers has focused on fentanyl, gas prices and her support for law enforcement.
In Central Washington Republican Dan Newhouse was leading with nearly 67 percent of votes. Newhouse faced a tough challenge in the primary, facing several Republicans who ran a farther to the right campaign who were angered by his vote to impeach former President Donald Trump.
Newhouse Democrat faced business owner Doug White. White previously worked in international business, and argued the region needed a member of Congress more focused on climate change impacts and immigration.
In the Senate Patty Murray had a strong lead state-wide with 57 percent. In Spokane County results, Smiley was ahead with 53 percent of votes. Smiley also led every other Eastern and Central Washington County, as well as some Southwest Washington Counties. Murray won King County with 74% of votes, and Snohomish with 57 percent.
