Washington House Position 2, Legislative District 31

About this race

Joshua Penner (prefers Republican Party) and John Bielka (prefers Democratic Party) meet on the November 3 ballot; Joshua Penner is the sitting member, per the Legislature's roster. August 4 top-two primary: Joshua Penner 56.0 percent, John Bielka 43.9 percent, per the Secretary of State's official results. Washington's top-two primary sends the two leading candidates to November regardless of party; party labels are the candidates' stated preferences. The field is the VoteWA GENERAL 2026 candidate list (read September 7, 2026). This seat is elected by legislative district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.

What this office does

State legislator. State legislators write and vote on state laws and the state budget, which fund schools, roads, prisons, universities and health programs, and set the rules for local governments and elections. Each member represents one district and serves on committees that shape bills before a floor vote. Terms are two years in most state houses and four in most state senates.

This race. Elected by district: only voters who live in the district see this race on their ballot. The sitting officeholder, Joshua Penner, is on the ballot.