SEATTLE (AP) — Republican Rep. Dave Reichert is cruising to the top of his primary Tuesday in early results, bolstered by a large lead in Pierce County. Democratic challenger Suzan DelBene is behind in second place.
With 49 percent of the expected vote counted in Tuesday’s election, Reichert led with nearly 48 percent. DelBene had 26.5 percent, while another Democratic challenger, Tom Cramer, had nearly 10 percent.
Reichert is seeking his fourth term in Congress and has survived close elections in the past four years. But Democrats have never won in the 8th District.
DelBene, a former Microsoft executive, is a political newcomer, but carries the backing of the Democratic party. Cramer says he is a small business owner.
