Washington’s Aug. 4 primary election is coming up. Here on Soundside, we’re diving into this year’s most competitive races, like the 3rd Congressional District in Southwest Washington.

This area includes Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, Pacific, Wahkiakum and Skamania Counties. It also covers a small part of Thurston County. 

It’s a purple district where voters have backed Donald Trump in recent presidential elections. But it’s also where a Democrat has repeatedly defeated a Trump-backed opponent.  

We heard from that Democratic incumbent who has held this seat for the past two terms. She has positioned herself as a champion of the working class and someone who’s willing to work across the aisle.

Guest: Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, a U.S. representative for Washington's 3rd Congressional District

Related links: 

• House Speaker Mike Johnson fundraises for Joe Kent in Vancouver | Washington State Standard
• Trump backs Joe Kent in Washington state | KUOW
• Gluesenkamp Perez’s Farm Bill banana amendment draws mixed reaction | The Seattle Times
• Gluesenkamp Perez thinks the Democratic Party needs to change, not her | Washington State Standard

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Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.