SEATTLE (AP) — Washington voters were deciding Tuesday whether Republicans here can mimic national trends and make gains in the state Legislature — currently held by Democrats with commanding majorities.
All 98 state House seats and 25 of the 49 state Senate seats were on the ballot in Tuesday’s election. Because many seats are in safe party-line districts, control of the chambers was being contested in a relative handful of races.
Republican Party Chairman Luke Esser says his party is going to make big gains and has a long shot at taking a majority in one of the chambers.
To take control of the House, Republicans need a 13 seat surge. In the Senate, they need seven seats.
Democratic Party Chairman Dwight Pelz says that Democrats will lose some seats but will retain control of the Legislature.
