Just 89 votes separated a Democratic incumbent and Republican challenger in a state Senate race in a swing Kitsap Peninsula district that is shaping up to be the year’s most hard-fought legislative contest.

It was one of nine seats in the Legislature up for election during this odd-year special election cycle as a result of one lawmaker’s death and others moving on to other appointed or elected positions.

Democrats hold substantial majorities in the state House and Senate, and this year’s races won’t change that, but Republicans are hoping to gain ground and flip one or two seats.

The top two vote-getters in each contest advance to November’s general election. Ballot-counting will continue for several days, so results might change.

26th Legislative District

Tuesday’s results confirmed

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