Gluesenkamp Perez leads Kent for Washington's 3rd District

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – As votes continue being tallied two days after Election Day, the race between Democratic Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and Republican Joe Kent remains too close to call.

According to data released Thursday morning by the Washington Secretary of State’s Office, Gluesenkamp Perez is leading with 51% of the vote followed by Kent with 47%. More than 12,000 votes separate the candidates.

The first-term congresswoman has received more support from Clark and Pacific counties. Meanwhile, Kent is seeing more support from the remaining counties in the district including Thruston, Lewis, Cowlitz, and Skamania – which is seeing about 200 votes separating the candidates.

As reported by The Hill, the race is under the national spotlight as Republicans see Washington’s 3rd District as a seat they can flip as the party looks to maintain power in the House after flipping the Senate.

During a debate hosted by KOIN 6 News, the candidates sparred over issues including the Interstate-5 Bridge replacement project, immigration and abortion.

During the debate, Kent said he is pro-life, arguing that abortion is not on the ballot since federal abortion protections were overturned under Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health, a move that he supported.

Meanwhile, Gluesenkamp Perez said in the aftermath of the Dobbs ruling, Congress needs to codify federal abortion protections previously held under Roe v. Wade.

Stay here for election results for Washington’s Third Congressional District.