Adam Smith, Doug Basler to face off for sixth time in WA-9 race, Sawant comes up short in primary
Aug 4, 2026, 10:39 PM | Updated: Aug 5, 2026, 3:02 pm
From left, headshots of Adam Smith and Doug Basler. (Photos courtesy of U.S. House of Representatives, Doug Basler's campaign)
(Photos courtesy of U.S. House of Representatives, Doug Basler's campaign)
Democrat incumbent Adam Smith and Republican challenger Doug Basler will advance to the November election to represent Washington’s 9th Congressional District.
Smith has been the U.S. Representative for Washington’s 9th Congressional District since 1997, making him the longest-serving U.S. House member. He received 36,070 votes (50.9%), while Basler earned 16,842 votes (23.8%).
Washington’s open primary system means the top two vote-getters of any party advance to the November election.
Smith previously was a member of the Washington state Senate from 1991 to 1996 and served as Seattle’s city prosecutor from 1993 to 1995.
“Thank you to the voters of Washington’s 9th District. You gave us a decisive win last night and I don’t take a si…