Cortes maintains lead in primary race for 38th District seat
Published 8:10 pm Tuesday, August 4, 2026
EVERETT — A Democratic incumbent will advance to the November ballot after a three-way primary for a state House seat in the 38th Legislative District, while a third party candidate held an advantage in the race for the second spot in the general election.
Democrat Julio Cortes, of Everett, held a strong lead Friday with 51.1% of the vote. With few ballots left to count, it’s clear he will advance to the November general election.
Jeff Kelly, a member of the newly formed centrist Cascade Party, followed behind Cortes with 28.4% of the vote, results from Friday showed. It’s likely that he will advance to the general election.
Annie Fitzgerald, a progressive Democrat challenger, earned 19.3% of the vote in Friday vote count.
Cortes has held the seat for the past four years. If reelected, it would be his third term in office. His top priorities include addressing homelessness, public safety and improving affordability, he said in an interview. Cortes reported receiving about $60,000 in campaign contributions as of Tuesday.
In a statement, Cortes said he was “deeply honored by the support of the 38th Legislative District” and thanked his fellow candidates for participating in the primary.
“Tonight, I’m celebrating this result, but tomorrow the work continues,” Cortes wrote on Tuesday night. “There is still a lot to accomplish, and I’m looking forward to earning the support of voters throughout the general election and continuing to deliver results for the 38th District.”
Kelly, who lives in north Everett, said in an interview that his goals included improving affordability, reforming the state’s tax system and finding ways cut back on excessive government spending. He reported receiving $1,500 in campaign contributions as of Tuesday.
In a statement Wednesday, Kelly thanked supporters “for being receptive to a new voice with a timeless message centered on people,” he wrote.
“My goal is to help create an environment where families can thrive and continue enjoying life in our beautiful state,” Kelly wrote. “I look forward to the opportunity to share this vision with the wonderful people of Everett, Marysville, and Tulalip.”
Fitzgerald, a democratic socialist living in Marysville, said in an interview she hopes to implement universal healthcare, make housing more affordable, raise the minimum wage and implement a more progressive tax structure throughout the state. She reported receiving $526 in campaign contributions as of Tuesday.
Other races in the 38th District were not competitive, as candidates were already guaranteed to qualify for the general election. In the Senate race, incumbent Democrat June Robinson got 66.2% of the vote over Republican challenger Brad Bender, who earned 33.6% of the vote, results Friday showed. Incumbent Democrat Mary Fosse ran uncontested for the second House seat in the district.
The 38th Legislative District encompasses much of Everett, Marysville and the Tulalip Reservation. State representatives earn $72,494 per year.
Election officials will continue counting ballots throughout the coming weeks. Snohomish County will certify election results on Aug. 18.
Will Geschke: 425-339-3443; william.geschke@heraldnet.com; X: @willgeschke.
