Washington state Sen. John Braun to seek Marie Gluesenkamp Perez's congressional seat

Ryan Haas/OPB

August 12, 2025 / 2:38 pm

Washington state Sen. John Braun announced his plans Tuesday to take on U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez in what’s expected to be a highly contested 2026 midterm election.

Braun, R-Centralia, a Navy veteran and business owner, brings legislative experience to the race, having served in Washington’s state Senate since 2013. He was elected as the Republican Senate leader in 2020.

In his announcement, Braun said he would focus on securing U.S. borders and maintaining national defense if elected to Congress.

“I know how to fight bad policy — and how to craft good policy that makes a difference for people here in Southwest Washington,” Braun said in a statement.

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