By Dennis Box and Kevin Hanson
The political primary run is officially underway as the candidate filing period opened May 12 and closed Friday.
Throughout the state of Washington, candidates had five days to formally file with the Office of the Secretary of State.
This cycle is considered an off-year election with no fireworks popping in a presidential race, but 47th and 5th legislative districts still attracted a full slate of new faces, former hopeful candidates and incumbents planning to return.
The primary election is set for Aug. 5 and the general election is Nov. 4.
Washington’s primary, which is a top-two system, advances the two candidates receiving the most votes to the November general election, regardless of party affiliation.
The all mail-in primary election is Aug. 5 and the general election is Nov. 4.
47th Legislative District
The 47th District includes Covington, Auburn, a portion of Kent and unincorporated South King County.
In the Senate, Republican incumbent Sen. Joe Fain is being challenged by Carol Barber, D-Kent.
For State House Position No. 1 Democrat Chris Barringer, Auburn, is challenging incumbent Mark Hargrove, R-Covington.
In Position No. 2 in the House Pat Sullivan, the incumbent Democrat from Covington, is being challenged by Barry Knowles, R-Covington.
The state Senate seats are four-year terms and House positions are two.
5th Legislative District
The 5th Legislative District begins just north of Enumclaw and includes Black Diamond, eventually stretching north and east all the way to Issaquah. Chad Magendanz was elected two years ago to the Position 2 post and is running for a second term. A Republican, he resides in Issaquah. He is being challenged by Democrats Colin Alexander of Fall City and David Spring of North Bend, along with Ryan Dean Burkett of Issaquah, who stated no party preference.
The race for the 5th District’s Position 2 seat has two candidates, Republican incumbent Jay Rodne and Democrat Essie Hicks, both of Issaquah.
8th Congressional District
Aside from the legislative races, voters will help send a congressman to Washington, D.C., from the 8th Congressional District.
Republican Dave Reichert is seeking another term and is being challenged by Democrats Jason Ritchie of Issaquah and Keith Arnold of Auburn.
A variety of judicial races including four seats on the state Supreme Court, along with seats on the state Court of Appeals and both King County and Pierce County Superior Court.
