Marie Gluesenkamp Perez

After two terms in the U.S. House minority, the Southwest Washington Democrat will have her first opportunity to legislate in the majority.

Democratic U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and Republican challenger John Braun are facing off to represent southwest Washington's largely rural 3rd Congressional District.

The match-up for the 3rd Congressional District seat in southwest Washington is among a handful of competitive races nationwide that could decide which party is in charge in January.

U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and Washington state Sen. John Braun are vying to represent Washington’s 3rd Congressional District in a closely watched election.

Candidates who pull ahead in races for the state Legislature, state Supreme Court, and U.S. Congress will advance to November's election. Ballots are due by 8 p.m. on Aug. 4.

Nine candidates are running in the state’s August primary, but only two will emerge from that race to compete in November. It’s one of just 18 around the country that’s considered a toss-up.

The deadly implosion at a pulp and paper mill spilled a toxic mix of chemicals and killed 11 workers. Federal and state entities are investigating what went wrong.

The Democrat from Southwest Washington said the loss of human lives in Longview is devastating. She is also concerned about the spinoff effects for local jobs and wildfires.

Despite the decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, the Chinook Indian Nation vows to continue the over a century-long fight and is looking to Congress for the next steps.

The Congresswoman was one of only seven Democrats to approve a funding bill last week that included money for ICE.