Wednesday, October 14, 2026·Focal News

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Politics

Southwest Washington congressional rivals trade attacks in last debate

Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and state Sen. John Braun met Tuesday for their final debate before the November midterm election. Both argued their opponent was more responsive to outside interests than to Southwest Washington residents.

Southwest Washington congressional rivals trade attacks in last debate
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Democratic U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and Republican state Sen. John Braun used their final debate Tuesday to challenge each other’s ties and priorities, with the November midterm election weeks away. The candidates are competing for Washington’s 3rd Congressional District seat, which covers Southwest Washington. Each sought to present the other as beholden to interests beyond the region, making local representation a central theme of the contest. The debate was the last scheduled faceoff between the two before voters decide the race. The available details did not identify specific policy disputes raised during the event.

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