Republican Attorney General Rob McKenna and Democratic former U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee advanced through Washington state’s primary Tuesday night and will face each other on the November ballot for governor.
Early results had Inslee with 47 percent of the vote and McKenna with 43 percent, putting them far ahead of seven other contenders in the gubernatorial contest. Under the state’s “top two” primary system, the top two vote-getters advance to the general election, regardless of party.
In another statewide race, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell advanced to the November ballot, along with Republican state Senator Michael Baumgartner. All 10 congressional seats also were on the ballot.
In the Washington primary race for lieutenant governor, incumbent Brad Owen advanced with 49 percent of the vote. Former Republican state Senator Bill Finkbeiner had the second highest amount of votes in early returns with 25 percent.
For the open Secretary of State seat, Republican Kim Wyman advanced through the primary with 39 percent of the vote. Also moving on to the general election was Democrat Kathleen Drew, who had 21 percent.
In the race to replace retiring Auditor Brian Sonntag, Republican James Watkins advanced through the primary with more than 45 percent of the vote. Rep. Troy Kelley of Tacoma had more than 24 percent, and Sen. Craig Pridemore of Vancouver had more than 20 percent as they battled for the second spot. (AP)
