WA Election Results 2026: Republicans Face Major Legislative Losses + Income Tax Repeal Faces Defeat

Washington election results from November 3, 2026, show Democrats gaining ground in key state legislative races, Washington's income tax repeal initiative trailing, and a ballot measure addressing transgender participation in girls' sports leading in early returns. In this edition of Washington in Focus Daily, The Center Square examines the latest Washington midterm election results, the potential impact on the state legislature, five Washington Supreme Court races, and major statewide ballot initiatives. The episode also features reactions from Washington Republican leaders, Let's Go Washington founder Brian Heywood, girls' sports advocate Francis Scott, and an exclusive interview with Pierce County Sheriff Keith Swank following voters' apparent rejection of a proposal to replace the elected sheriff system. WASHINGTON REPUBLICANS FACE LEGISLATIVE LOSSES Washington Democrats are leading in several closely watched state legislative races, raising questions about whether the party could expand its control in Olympia. Republican incumbents in multiple legislative districts are trailing Democratic challengers, although several races remain too close to call. Washington GOP Chairman Jim Walsh discusses the election results and the party's expectations for key congressional, legislative, and Supreme Court races. Republican Representative Brian Burnett, trailing Democrat Stacey Willoughby in Legislative District 12, says he believes outstanding ballots could change the outcome. Burnett also expresses concern about the possibility of Democrats gaining a legislative supermajority. Representative Travis Couture, who holds a narrow lead in his own race, calls on Washington Republicans to reconsider their political strategy following election setbacks. WASHINGTON SUPREME COURT ELECTION RESULTS Washington voters decided five Supreme Court contests in the November 3 election. In one closely watched race, Sean O'Donnell leads Ian Burke in preliminary returns, potentially giving a candidate described as more moderate a seat on Washington's highest court. The report examines the election results and the political spending that attracted attention during the judicial campaigns. WASHINGTON INCOME TAX REPEAL INITIATIVE 645 TRAILS Washington voters appear poised to reject Initiative 645, the ballot measure seeking to repeal the state's income tax. Let's Go Washington founder Brian Heywood criticizes the campaign against the repeal initiative and says opponents of the income tax will continue challenging the policy. The election results could have significant implications for Washington tax policy, businesses, high-income taxpayers, and future legislative debates. WASHINGTON GIRLS' SPORTS INITIATIVE 638 LEADS Initiative 638, which addresses transgender athlete participation in girls' school sports, is leading in early Washington election returns. The report examines reactions from supporters who gathered at a Let's Go Washington election night event in Redmond. Brian Heywood addresses supporters, while Tumwater High School athlete Francis Scott expresses gratitude for the campaign and the early election results. The initiative was leading by approximately 56.7% to 42.2% in the returns discussed in the report. WASHINGTON PARENTAL RIGHTS INITIATIVE 001 Initiative 001, a measure concerning parental rights in education, is trailing in early election returns. The episode examines the mixed results for Let's Go Washington's three ballot initiatives and the implications for education and state policy. PIERCE COUNTY SHERIFF KEITH SWANK REACTS TO ELECTION RESULTS Pierce County voters are rejecting Amendment 53 in preliminary returns, opposing a proposal to replace the elected sheriff system with an appointed sheriff. In an exclusive interview with The Center Square, Pierce County Sheriff Keith Swank responds to the results and criticizes the proposed change. Swank describes the amendment as an attempt to remove him from office and says he will continue speaking out on issues involving law enforcement and constitutional rights. Pierce County Amendment 54, which proposes a sheriff oversight ombuds office, is also trailing in early returns. WASHINGTON ELECTION RESULTS AND ANALYSIS The Center Square continues tracking Washington election results as county election offices count additional ballots. Several legislative and judicial contests remain undecided, and the outcomes could change as more votes are reported. Subscribe to Washington in Focus Daily for Washington state government news, election analysis, tax policy, public safety, education, and government accountability. GET WASHINGTON NEWS BY TEXT Text TCSWA to 206-944-3016 for a quick breakdown of what happened, why it matters, and what it could mean for you. #WashingtonElection #WashingtonPolitics #IncomeTaxRepeal #GirlsSports #Election2026