Recent polling from OPB and DHM Research finds Oregon’s governor’s race and Washington’s 3rd Congressional District contest effectively tied, signaling competitive midterm campaigns in the two states. The Washington race pits U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez against John Braun, who have debated during the campaign. The polling summary available Sunday did not specify either candidate’s share of support, the size of the gap or when the surveys were conducted. In Oregon, the polling points to a closely matched gubernatorial contest, but the candidates and individual survey results were not detailed in the summary. Dana Haynes, an author and longtime political observer, discussed the issues shaping the election cycle in an appearance on a regional politics program. The close polling suggests voters in both states could see consequential contests as the midterms approach. Polls offer a snapshot rather than a forecast, and their precision depends on factors including sample size, methodology and how undecided voters ultimately decide.