Washington House Position 1, Legislative District 38

About this race

Julio Cortes (prefers Democratic Party) and Thomas (Jeff) Kelly (Cascade) meet on the November 3 ballot; Julio Cortes is the sitting member, per the Legislature's roster. August 4 top-two primary: Julio Cortes 51.1 percent, Thomas (Jeff) Kelly 28.4 percent; also ran: Annie Fitzgerald (19.3 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, Julio Cortes, is on the ballot.