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WA-03 is still Washington’s tossup district: Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and John Braun are tied ahead of 2026 Top Two election

Democratic U.S. Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and Republican challenger John Braun are running about even for the U.S. House in Washington's 3rd Congressional District, NPI's summer 2026 Civic Heartbeat polling has found. 51% of likely November 2026 voters who say they're also voting in August are backing either MGP or Braun, while in a hypothetical general election matchup, 45% backed Braun and 44% backed MGP, with 11% not sure. WA-03 is still Washington’s tossup district: Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and John Braun are tied ahead of 2026 Top Two election is a post from NPI's Cascadia Advocate, the journal of the Northwest Progressive Institute. Published continuously since March of 2004, NPI's Cascadia Advocate provides thoughtful commentary and analysis on regional, national, and world politics. Keep The Cascadia Advocate going by making a contribution to sustain NPI's research and advocacy here.

OPINION | Neglected Traffic Medians on Rainier Avenue South Point to Inequity in the South End

When Jillian Altizer travels to other parts of Seattle, she notices the resources present in other neighborhoods that the South End lacks — inequity that's evident in how a median on Rainier Avenue South is being "landscaped."

Senator Lindsey Graham: 1955–2026

The long-serving Republican, South Carolina's senior U.S. Senator, passed away on July 11th, 2026, due to an aortic dissection. He was known for his controversial stance on issues and close ties with Donald Trump, which came after he bluntly disavowed Trump before the 2016 presidential election. His death could seriously impact floor and committee dynamics in the United States Senate, leading to potential challenges for Republicans as they try to move their agenda before the midterms. Senator Lindsey Graham: 1955–2026 is a post from NPI's Cascadia Advocate, the journal of the Northwest Progressive Institute. Published continuously since March of 2004, NPI's Cascadia Advocate provides thoughtful commentary and analysis on regional, national, and world politics. Keep The Cascadia Advocate going by making a contribution to sustain NPI's research and advocacy here.

DOOM LOOP: Shrinking

Two outspoken local commentators resist the changing perceptions of Seattle.

7 thoughts on Censere Gaylord's commitment to Washington

What to know about the four-star cornerback.

The Roundup: Eddie Lin Defends a Delay-Busting Bill

In this week's edition of The Roundup, Mike Davis talks to Councilmember Eddie Lin about why he supports a bill that he says will eliminate delays in Council's decision-making process.

Maine Democrats press ahead with choosing a replacement nominee to face Susan Collins in 2026 U.S. Senate race

Oyster farmer Graham Platner has filed the paperwork to formally withdraw, clearing the way for a late-July convention as prospective replacements Troy Jackson and Nirav Shah contend with charges being laid at their doors. Maine Democrats press ahead with choosing a replacement nominee to face Susan Collins in 2026 U.S. Senate race is a post from NPI's Cascadia Advocate, the journal of the Northwest Progressive Institute. Published continuously since March of 2004, NPI's Cascadia Advocate provides thoughtful commentary and analysis on regional, national, and world politics. Keep The Cascadia Advocate going by making a contribution to sustain NPI's research and advocacy here.

Stepping up: 9 players who could raise Washington's ceiling in 2026

Rather than focus on established stars, let's look at less-heralded players who could step up.

Washington is *still* one of the top states in the country for business, CNBC’s updated 2026 rankings say

It's once again narrative-busting time. Business network CNBC's latest Best States for Business rankings just got updated, and Washington remains a top state for business, coming in at number eleven. Washington ranked ahead of every other Left Coast state and every other state in the Pacific Northwest, including Republican-run Idaho, Republican-run Montana, and Republican-run Alaska. Washington is *still* one of the top states in the country for business, CNBC’s updated 2026 rankings say is a post from NPI's Cascadia Advocate, the journal of the Northwest Progressive Institute. Published continuously since March of 2004, NPI's Cascadia Advocate provides thoughtful commentary and analysis on regional, national, and world politics. Keep The Cascadia Advocate going by making a contribution to sustain NPI's research and advocacy here.

COLUMN | Seattle Had No Homicides in June. Don't Use It to Justify More Policing.

After Seattle's first homicide-free June in 56 years, Marcus Harrison Green asks who gets credit for safety — and who keeps getting cut.

REVIEW | In Hillman City, a Menu that Spotlights Northern Mexico Includes a Surprise: Hot Dogs

Graham Platner drops out of Maine’s U.S. Senate race

Platner announced his campaign was suspending operations and he was filing paperwork to withdraw his candidacy in a video posted on Wednesday, July 8th to social platforms. The Maine Democratic Party has until July 27th to name a replacement nominee. The party says it will stage a nominating convention to do so. Graham Platner drops out of Maine’s U.S. Senate race is a post from NPI's Cascadia Advocate, the journal of the Northwest Progressive Institute. Published continuously since March of 2004, NPI's Cascadia Advocate provides thoughtful commentary and analysis on regional, national, and world politics. Keep The Cascadia Advocate going by making a contribution to sustain NPI's research and advocacy here.