Braun Concedes Washington 3rd District Race to Gluesenkamp Perez
With about 80 percent of the vote counted by Thursday morning, Republican challenger John Braun conceded his bid for Washington’s 3rd Congressional District to Democratic incumbent Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, KATU reported.
Gluesenkamp Perez declared victory on Tuesday night. By Wednesday morning, the Associated Press called the race after she secured nearly 55 percent of the vote, while Braun garnered more than 44 percent, KOIN reported.
The contest for the 3rd District emerged as one of the most competitive U.S. House races in the country. In a statement released Tuesday, Gluesenkamp Perez pointed to the financial disparity of the campaign, stating that her team overcame the largest spending gap of any House race nationwide.
Thank you, Southwest Washington. pic.twitter.com/logA389iOZ
“They flooded our airwaves with attack ads, convinced that if they spent enough money, they could replace an independent voice with someone who would fall in line,” Gluesenkamp Perez said, describing Republican party expenditures. “But they fundamentally misunderstood the people of Southwest Washington. They thought this seat was theirs to buy. You showed them it wasn’t.”
Braun Addresses Supporters After Concession
Braun initially stated on election night that he would wait for all ballots to be counted. On Thursday morning, however, he posted a concession statement on social media confirming the outcome.
“Congratulations to Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez on her victory. In a democracy the voters have the last word and I respect their decision,” Braun wrote. “I wish Marie success in representing Southwest Washington. When our district succeeds, we all benefit.”
Reflecting on his campaign, Braun added that public service extends beyond electoral outcomes. “For me, service isn’t defined by a title, an election, or whether things go exactly the way you planned. Service is what you’re willing to do for others. Service brought me into this race, and that commitment is not going to change.”
Braun also thanked the volunteers and donors who supported his run. “Whether you knocked on doors, made calls, hosted gatherings, put up signs, contributed financially, or encouraged a neighbor to get involved, you made a real difference,” he said.
Washington’s 3rd Congressional District encompasses the southwest portion of the state, including Clark, Skamania, and Cowlitz counties.
