Tuesday night’s vote tallies in Washington state show Democrats expanding their hold on the state legislature, prompting Republican officials to caution that the party could soon possess the power to override the governor’s veto and pursue constitutional amendments.
Republican leaders sound alarm
Washington State Republican Party Chairman Jim Walsh called the results “bad, but not disastrous,” noting that the party had hoped the state might serve as a bulwark against the national leftward shift. “The legislative districts are on track, so Washington may end up being a bulwark against some of the blue wave that happened in the rest of the country,” Walsh said shortly after 8 p.m.
State Rep. Brian Burnett (R‑Wenatchee) warned that a Democratic supermajority would allow the party to override the governor’s veto and alter the state constitution. “They can override the veto from the governor. They can change the Constitution. We know that’s what they’re really after. They’re power hungry. They are money grabbing,” Burnett said, adding that the prospect of a supermajority is “devastating.”
Close races and GOP holdouts
Despite the overall trend, several Republican incumbents remain in contention. In Legislative District 12, Rep. Burnett trails Democrat Stacy Willoughby by roughly 1,400 votes, with thousands of ballots still uncounted. Burnett told The Center Square, “We knew this was going to be close. I still think there’s a really good chance you’re going to see the numbers change over the next four or five days.”
In District 14, Rep. Gloria Mendoza (R) is behind challenger Chelsea Dimas by about 1,600 votes. Rep. Deb Manjarrez (R) trails Democrat Ezequiel Morfin 44 % to 55 %.
Republican Rep. John Ley (R‑18) acknowledged the tight race, saying, “I fought against raising your taxes and was proud to have joined the battle to protect girls in girls’ sports.” He remains hopeful as counting continues.
Democratic celebration
Washington Democratic Party Chair Shasti Conrad hailed the night as a continuation of a six‑cycle trend of growing majorities. “What a night for Democrats. Truly one of the best election nights in my lifetime,” she said.
In District 25, Democrat David Berg leads incumbent Republican Michael Keaton 50.7 % to 49 %. In District 35, Republican Rep. Drew MacEwen trails Democrat Carolina Mejia 48 % to 51 %, while Rep. Dan Griffey holds a narrow 50.18 % lead over Democrat Jim Pierson. Rep. Travis Couture (R‑Allyn) leads Democrat Maria Littelsun by about 400 votes and noted, “Republicans have two narrow leads in the House and one close race in the Senate. This overperformance… is a testament to the work that the current 35th district delegation has done for its constituents.”
Implications for the next legislative session
If the current leads hold, House Democrats could expand their margin from 59‑39 to 66‑32, while the Senate, with only half its seats up for election, would not yet reach a supermajority. Republicans stress the need to regroup and refocus ahead of the 2028 cycle.
“Caught up in the riptide of national sentiment were good Republican representatives in our state that have nothing to do with national politics,” Couture added. “However, Republicans in Washington need to take responsibility for this and previous losses, reflect deeply on the future of our party, and get back to work quickly ahead of the legislative session and 2028.”
Local reaction
Rep. Burnett, speaking emotionally on a Wednesday phone call, expressed gratitude for his colleagues’ service, saying, “I have so much love and admiration for my caucus members… God knows, so I just thank them for their service.”
The race in Legislative District 48 pits moderate Democrat Amy Wallen, who often votes with Republicans, against fellow Democrat Jessica Forsythe, with Wallen trailing 47 % to 51 %.
Overall, the night underscores a challenging environment for Washington Republicans, who cite national sentiment as a factor while emphasizing the need for local, values‑driven campaigning moving forward.
Original reporting: Clark County Today (Vancouver WA) — read the source article.
