Four Democratic incumbents appear to have lost their seats in the Washington State House, while another race remains too close to call.
Counties across the state still have about 68,000 ballots to process, but some candidates have conceded races in which the outcome is not expected to change. Results will be certified by counties on Nov. 25.
Here’s an update on the races:
Democratic state Rep. Kathy Haigh conceded the race to Republican challenger Dan Griffey on Thursday, with the latest election results showing Haigh trailing by 512 votes. Haigh was first elected to the 35th District seat in 1998. Griffey, a firefighter from Allyn, claimed victory on his campaign Facebook page, writing “I appreciate Kathy Haigh’s sacrifice in serving our district and was very touched by her call this afternoon.”
In Southwest Washington, Democratic state Rep. Monica Stonier has lost her re-election bid to Republican businesswoman Lynda Wilson. Ballot tallies show Wilson winning by 1,147 votes. “Although it has not been certified, our numbers have continued to rise and my opponent has graciously conceded this race,” Wilson wrote on her campaign website earlier this week.
Republican Michelle Caldier, a dentist in Kitsap County, claimed victory on Saturday in the tight race against Democratic incumbent Rep. Larry Seaquist. Caldier is leading by about 600 votes.
Political newcomer Republican Melanie Stambaugh held onto to her election night lead over Democratic Rep. Dawn Morrell, winning by more than 3,500 votes. At 24, Stambaugh will be the youngest member of the state House.
An open House seat remains too close to call in the 28th District. Democrat Christine Kilduff is leading by 279 votes over Republican Paul Wagemann. They are competing for the seat formerly held by Democratic Rep. Tami Green, who lost a Senate bid against Republican Steve O’Ban.
If the election results hold up, Democrats will have a 51-47 vote majority in the state House. That’s down from a 55-vote majority.