EVERETT – Democratic state Sen. Jean Berkey, a moderate targeted for ouster by several statewide labor unions, is trailing Democrat Nick Harper in tonight’s primary returns.
Harper, 31, of Everett, had 4,530 votes, followed by Berkey with 4,305 and self-described conservative Rod Rieger of Marysville with 3,985.
If tonight’s results hold, Berkey and Harper will face off in the general election.
Unions representing state employees, teachers and health care workers spent nearly $300,000 to oust Berkey in the primary and position Harper to capture the seat in November.
Meanwhile, state Sen. Steve Hobbs, another moderate targeted by labor groups, is leading in the 44th Legislative District tonight.
He had 6,379 votes followed by Republican Dave Schmidt of Mill Creek with 6,076, Democrat Lillian Kaufer of Snohomish with 2,587 and Ryan Ferrie of Lynnwood with 2,087.
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