SEATTLE — State Democrats held early leads in several competitive races for legislative seats in Tuesday’s election, putting them on track to add to their already commanding ranks in Olympia.
Republicans were hoping to recover some of the seats lost in 2006, when a Democratic wave swept out many GOP lawmakers, but were falling short on Tuesday night.
In east King County, Rep. Glenn Anderson, R-Fall City, who has been in the state House since 2000, trailed Democratic challenger David Spring, a teacher and former business owner. Republicans Reps. Skip Priest of Federal Way, and Norma Smith of Clinton also trailed their Democratic challengers.
In Spokane, Republican challenger Kevin Parker held a small lead over Democratic incumbent Rep. Don Barlow.
Meanwhile, Rep. Roger Goodman, D-Kirkland, fended off a strong challenge from former state Rep. Toby Nixon, who held Goodman’s seat in the Legislature before leaving in 2006 for an unsuccessful state Senate run.
Republicans also targeted Senate Transportation Chairwoman Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island, but GOP challenger Linda Haddon was trailing Tuesday night.
In a handful of districts, voters decided between candidates of the same party, showcasing the changes wrought by the state’s new primary election system, where the two candidates with the most votes advance to the general election regardless of party.
For example, Senate Ways and Means Chairwoman Margarita Prentice, D-Renton, was defending her seat against fellow Democrat Juan Martinez. Prentice was leading Martinez by a wide margin.
Democrats have controlled both the House and Senate since 2005. They held majorities of 63-35 in the House, and 32-17 in the Senate during the last session.
There are 124 legislative elections on the ballot this year — the entire 98-member House and 26 of the 49 Senate seats.
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