PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Though the midterm election is about 16 months away, the race to represent Washington's 3rd Congressional District became a bit more clear on Tuesday.

Republican State Sen. John Braun announced he will run for the seat currently held by Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez.

Washington's 3rd District, which includes Vancouver and Clark County, is a swing district. Gluesenkamp Perez won the seat in 2022, defeating Joe Kent, then beat him again in 2024. Before she won, though, the seat was held by Republican Jaime Herrera Beutler.

Republicans think they can flip the seat back in 2026.

Braun, 58, is from Centralia. He's a Navy veteran and president of a family business that manufactures emergency vehicles. He's represented Washington's 20th legislative district since 2

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