Washington's 3rd District race neck-and-neck as poll shows tight GOP-Democrat split

DHM Research surveyed 543 potential voters in Washington’s 3rd Congressional District from mid-September, revealing an almost even split between incumbent Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Pérez and Republican state senator John Braun. The poll recorded 46% of respondents favoring Braun, 44% favoring Gluesenkamp Pérez, and 11% still undecided. A follow-up question that asked respondents to choose a candidate if the election were held today produced a 48% to 47% split, also within the margin of error, with 5% remaining unsure.

The district, noted as a microcosm of the broader national electorate, has historically swung between parties and is listed among the most competitive House races. Both candidates are campaigning on local priorities—Gluesenkamp Pérez on small-business support, rural health access, and ending the Iran conflict, and Braun on tax cuts, law-and-order, and expanding domestic energy production. The race is drawing significant attention as it could influence control of the U.S. House of Representatives.