While Washington remains firmly a liberal stronghold, the November 5 general election revealed a modest rightward shift among voters. According to the Washington Secretary of State’s Office, President-elect Donald Trump secured 39.01% of the state’s vote, up from 38.77% in 2020—a gain of nearly a quarter percentage point.
Initial media reports framed Washington as moving slightly more progressive, contrasting with a national Republican wave that returned Trump to the White House, secured GOP control of the Senate, and retained their House majority.
Despite this small rightward movement, Democrats maintained their dominance in Washington. Vice President Kamala Harris won the state with over 57% of the vote, and Democrats swept all statewide offices while retaining majorities in both chambers of the state legislature.
The Washington State Republican Party (WSRP) highlighted the slight gains as a positive trend. A party news release noted improved results for Republicans across the board, with average performance increasing by four percentage points compared to 2020.
In competitive congressional races, Republican candidates achieved a median vote share of approximately 47%. Similar gains were seen in state legislative races within swing districts.
WSRP Chair Jim Walsh acknowledged the challenges Republicans face in statewide executive races but expressed optimism about the party’s trajectory.
“If Washington Republicans stay on this track, at the rate we’re going, we’ll be much more competitive in a few years,” Walsh stated.
Washington’s incremental shift reflects broader national trends while underscoring the challenges Republicans face in solidly blue states.
