State Senate Minority Leader John Braun of Centralia has announced his candidacy for Washington’s 3rd Congressional District in the 2026 election. Braun has served in the Washington State Senate since 2013 and is president of Braun Northwest, an emergency vehicle manufacturing company founded by his family. He also served 31 years in the U.S. Navy, both on active and reserve duty.
U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washougal has represented the district since 2023 and has raised more than $1.5 million toward her 2026 campaign. She co-owns an auto repair business and is a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, a group in Congress that focuses on bipartisan and fiscally focused policies.
The 3rd Congressional District spans Southwest Washington and is expected to be closely watched in the upcoming election cycle. Several other candidates have also filed to run, and more are expected before the 2026 ballot deadline.
With both candidates bringing experience in public service and business ownership, the race is set to be an important contest for the region, offering voters distinct perspectives on issues affecting communities across Southwest Washington.
