Here’s what early results show in key race between Emily Randall and Jesse Young
Early results Tuesday night showed Randall leading in Washington’s 26th Legislative District race for state Senate.
Democratic incumbent Emily Randall had 25,858 votes (52.53 percent), according to the Secretary of State’s office website. Republican Jesse L. Young had 23,335 (47.4 percent).
“I am overjoyed by the work my team put in and the trust voters placed in me once again,” Randall told the Gateway Tuesday night. “This lead is really heartening.”
Young formerly held a seat in the state House and decided to challenge Randall this election season for a Senate seat.
Young was not available for immediate comment Tuesday night.
Combined, they have raised more than $1.4 million running to represent the 26th Legislative District in the state Senate. This race was one of the most expensive in the state. It’s one of several key state Senate races this year that could possibly change which party is in control, The Olympian reported.
The 26th District includes Gig Harbor, the Key Peninsula, Port Orchard, and other parts of Pierce and Kitsap counties. Both counties expect to release their next round of election results Wednesday evening.
Randall, who was born and raised on the Kitsap Peninsula, was elected to the state Senate in November 2018. She said during the campaign that she wants to focus on public safety and on helping families struggling with inflation.
“It’s been such an honor to serve and be a voice for the district I grew up in,” Randall previously told the Gateway.
She also said she wants to continue making progress toward affordable education and access to healthcare.
“The results tonight show me voters care about health care access, abortion rights, mental health support, economic justice, and a brighter future for all of us,” she said Tuesday.
Young grew up in the Hilltop neighborhood of Tacoma and was elected to the House in 2014. He wants to focus on the economy and local job growth, small business support and to control spending if elected, according to his website.
Another priority for Young is “supporting, respecting, and re-funding law enforcement,” according to his website.
This story was originally published November 8, 2022 at 8:30 PM.
