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Washington state legislative districts
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List of state legislative districts |
There are 147 seats in the Washington State Legislature. Approximately one half of the 49 seats in the Washington State Senate are up for election every two years. All 98 seats in the Washington House of Representatives are up for election every two years.
Chambers
Click the following tabs for more information about each chamber:
Senate
The Washington State Senate is the upper house of the Washington State Legislature. The body consists of 49 senators.
As of the 2020 Census, Washington state senators represented an average of 157,468 residents. After the 2010 Census, each member represented 137,824 residents.
Qualifications
Section 7 of Article 2 of the Washington State Constitution states, "No person shall be eligible to the legislature who shall not be a citizen of the United States and a qualified voter in the district for which he is chosen."[1]
Vacancies
If there is a vacancy in the Washington State Legislature, the board of county commissioners where the vacant seat is located has the responsibility to select a replacement. The county central committee of the political party that last held the seat must submit a list of three candidates to the board of county commissioners representing the vacant district. If the vacancy occurs in the office of a joint senator or joint representative, the state central committee is responsible for submitting the list of three candidates. A selection must be made within 60 days after the vacancy occurred. The person appointed will hold the seat until his or her successor is elected at the next general or special election in November.[2]
See sources: Washington Const. Art. 2, Sec. 15
Salaries
- See also: Comparison of state legislative salaries
| State legislative salaries, 2024[3] | |
|---|---|
| Salary | Per diem |
| $60,191/year for senators. $61,997/year for representatives. | $202/day |
Districts
These are links to every district in the Washington State Senate.
House
The Washington House of Representatives is the lower house of the Washington State Legislature. It is composed of 98 representatives, two from each of Washington's 49 districts. All members of the House are elected to a two-year term without term limits.
As of the 2020 Census, Washington state representatives represented an average of 78,734 residents. After the 2010 Census, each member represented 68,912 residents.
Qualifications
Section 7 of Article 2 of the Washington State Constitution states, "No person shall be eligible to the legislature who shall not be a citizen of the United States and a qualified voter in the district for which he is chosen."[4]
Vacancies
If there is a vacancy in the Washington State Legislature, the board of county commissioners where the vacant seat is located has the responsibility to select a replacement. The county central committee of the political party that last held the seat must submit a list of three candidates to the board of county commissioners representing the vacant district. If the vacancy occurs in the office of a joint senator or joint representative, the state central committee is responsible for submitting the list of three candidates. A selection must be made within 60 days after the vacancy occurred. The person appointed will hold the seat until his or her successor is elected at the next general or special election in November.[5]
See sources: Washington Const. Art. 2, Sec. 15
Salaries
- See also: Comparison of state legislative salaries
| State legislative salaries, 2024[6] | |
|---|---|
| Salary | Per diem |
| $60,191/year for senators. $61,997/year for representatives. | $202/day |
Districts
These are links to every district in the Washington House of Representatives.
Redistricting
In Washington, congressional and state legislative district boundaries are drawn by a five-member non-politician commission. The commission was established by constitutional amendment in 1983. The majority and minority leaders of the Washington State Senate and Washington House of Representatives each appoint one registered voter to the commission. These four commissioners appoint a fifth, non-voting member to serve as the commission's chair. In the event that the four voting commissioners cannot agree on a chair, the Washington Supreme Court must appoint one.[7]
The Washington Constitution stipulates that no commission member may have been an elected official or party officer in the two-year period prior to his or her appointment. Individuals who have registered with the state as lobbyists within the past year are also prohibited from serving on the commission.[7]
The Washington State Legislature may amend the commission's maps by a two-thirds vote in each legislative chamber.[7]
The state constitution requires that congressional and state legislative districts "should be contiguous, compact, and convenient, and follow natural, geographic, artificial, or political subdivision boundaries." The constitution states that the redistricting commission "must not purposely draw plans to favor or discriminate against any political party or group."[7]
State statutes require that congressional and state legislative districts "preserve areas recognized as communities of interest." State statutes also require the commission to draw districts that "provide fair and effective representation" and "encourage electoral competition."[7]
On March 15, 2024, Judge Robert Lasnik of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington ordered the state to adopt a new legislative map named Remedial Map 3B that complies with the Voting Rights Act. Judge Lasnik ordered Washington to redraw a legislative district in the Yakima Valley region because its boundaries undermined the ability of Latino voters to participate equally in elections. According to the district court's decision:[8][9]
| “ | The task of fashioning a remedy for a Voting Rights Act violation is not one that falls within the Court’s normal duties. It is only because the State declined to reconvene the Redistricting Commission – with its expertise, staff, and ability to solicit public comments – that the Court was compelled to step in. Nevertheless, with the comprehensive and extensive presentations from the parties, the participation of the Yakama Nation, and the able assistance of Ms. Mac Donald, the Court is confident that the adopted map best achieves the many goals of the remedial process. The Secretary of State is hereby ORDERED to conduct future elections according to Remedial Map 3B...[9][10] | ” |
On August 10, 2023, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington struck down the state's legislative maps, which were drawn by the bipartisan state Redistricting Commission in 2021, after finding that they discriminate against Latino voters in violation of the Voting Rights Act. At the time, the 15th district encompassed parts of five counties in south-central Washington and was represented by three Republicans.[8]
“The question in this case is whether the state has engaged in line-drawing which, in combination with the social and historical conditions in the Yakima Valley region, impairs the ability of Latino voters in that area to elect their candidate of choice on an equal basis with other voters. The answer is yes,” Judge Lasnik wrote in the district court's 32-page decision.[8]
Senate elections
Washington state senators serve staggered four-year terms, with half of the chamber up for election every two years. Washington holds elections for its legislature in even years.
2026
- See also: Washington State Senate elections, 2026
Elections for the Washington State Senate will take place in 2026. The general election is on November 3, 2026. The primary is August 4, 2026. The filing deadline is May 8, 2026.
2024
- See also: Washington State Senate elections, 2024
Elections for the Washington State Senate took place in 2024. The general election was on November 5, 2024. The primary was August 6, 2024. The filing deadline was May 10, 2024.
In the 2024 elections, Democrats increased their majority in the Washington State Senate to 30-19.
| Washington State Senate | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Party | As of November 5, 2024 | After November 6, 2024 | |
| Democratic Party | 28 | 30 | |
| Republican Party | 20 | 19 | |
| Vacancy | 1 | 0 | |
| Total | 49 | 49 | |
2022
- See also: Washington State Senate elections, 2022
Elections for the Washington State Senate took place in 2022. The general election was on November 8, 2022. A primary was scheduled for August 2, 2022. The filing deadline was May 20, 2022.
Heading into the 2022 elections, Democrats held a 29-20 majority in the Washington State Senate. No change to the partisan balance of the chamber occurred in the election.
| Washington State Senate | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Party | As of November 8, 2022 | After November 9, 2022 | |
| Democratic Party | 29 | 29 | |
| Republican Party | 20 | 20 | |
| Total | 49 | 49 | |
2020
- See also: Washington State Senate elections, 2020
Elections for the office of Washington State Senate took place in 2020. The general election was held on November 3, 2020. A primary was scheduled for August 4, 2020. The filing deadline was May 15, 2020.
Heading into the election, Democrats held a 29-20 majority. Democrats retained their 29-20 majority in the election.
| Washington State Senate | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Party | As of November 3, 2020 | After November 4, 2020 | |
| Democratic Party | 29 | 29 | |
| Republican Party | 20 | 20 | |
| Total | 49 | 49 | |
2018
- See also: Washington State Senate elections, 2018
Elections for the Washington State Senate took place in 2018. A top-two primary election took place on August 7, 2018, and the general election was held on November 6, 2018. The candidate filing deadline was May 18, 2018.[11]
In the 2018 elections, Democrats increased their majority in the Washington State Senate from 26-23 to 29-20.
| Washington State Senate | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Party | As of November 6, 2018 | After November 7, 2018 | |
| Democratic Party | 26 | 29 | |
| Republican Party | 23 | 20 | |
| Total | 49 | 49 | |
2016
- See also: Washington State Senate elections, 2016
Elections for the Washington State Senate took place in 2016. The primary election was held on August 2, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The candidate filing deadline was May 20, 2016. A total of 26 seats out of the 49 seats in the Washington State Senate were up for election in 2016.
The Washington State Senate was one of 20 battleground chambers in 2016. Democrats gained a 25-24 majority as a result of the 2016 elections. However, Republicans maintained control of the chamber due to a Democratic senator who announced plans to caucus with Republicans.
| Washington State Senate | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Party | As of November 7, 2016 | After November 8, 2016 | |
| Democratic Party | 24 | 25 | |
| Republican Party | 25 | 24[12] | |
| Total | 49 | 49 | |
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2014
Elections for the office of Washington State Senate took place in 2014. The primary election was held on August 5, 2014, and the general election was held on November 4, 2014. The candidate filing deadline was May 17, 2014. A total of 25 seats out of the 49 seats in the Washington State Senate were up for election in 2014. The Washington State Senate was one of 20 state legislative battleground chambers in 2014. Although Democrats had a 25-24 majority going into the 2014 election, a coalition gave Republicans control of the chamber. After the election, Republicans gained an outright 25-24 majority.
Note: Although Democrats had a numerical majority going into the 2014 election, a coalition gave Republicans control of the chamber. 2012
Elections for the office of Washington State Senate took place in 2012. The primary election was held on August 7, 2012, and the general election was held on November 6, 2012. The candidate filing deadline was June 8, 2012. A total of 25 seats out of the 49 seats in the Washington State Senate were up for election in 2012. Heading into the election, Democrats held a 27-22 majority. Democrats lost one seat in the election, giving them a 26-23 majority.
The table below details the 10 districts with the smallest margin of victory in the November 6 general election in 2012.
2010
Elections for the office of Washington State Senate took place in 2010. The primary election was held on August 17, 2010, and the general election was held on November 2, 2010. The candidate filing deadline was June 11, 2010. A total of 25 seats out of the 49 seats in the Washington State Senate were up for election in 2010. Democrats entered the election with a 31-18 majority. In the election, Democrats lost four seats, giving them a 27-22 majority.
2008
Elections for the office of Washington State Senate consisted of a primary election on August 19, 2008, and a general election on November 4, 2008. During the 2008 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $6,822,733. The top 10 contributors were:[13]
2006
Elections for the office of Washington State Senate consisted of a primary election on September 19, 2006, and a general election on November 7, 2006. During the 2006 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $7,241,049. The top 10 contributors were:[14]
2004
Elections for the office of Washington State Senate consisted of a primary election on September 14, 2004, and a general election on November 2, 2004. During the 2004 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $6,993,740. The top 10 contributors were:[15]
2002
Elections for the office of Washington State Senate consisted of a primary election on September 17, 2002, and a general election on November 5, 2002. During the 2002 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $4,496,407. The top 10 contributors were:[16]
2000
Elections for the office of Washington State Senate consisted of a primary election on September 19, 2000, and a general election on November 7, 2000. During the 2000 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $4,339,111. The top 10 contributors were:[17]
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House elections
Washington state representatives serve two-year terms, with all seats up for election every two years. Washington holds elections for its legislature in even years.
2026
Elections for the Washington House of Representatives will take place in 2026. The general election is on November 3, 2026. The primary is August 4, 2026. The filing deadline is May 8, 2026.
2024
Elections for the Washington House of Representatives took place in 2024. The general election was on November 5, 2024. The primary was August 6, 2024. The filing deadline was May 10, 2024.
In the 2024 elections, Democrats maintained their majority in the Washington House of Representatives.
| Washington House of Representatives | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Party | As of November 5, 2024 | After November 6, 2024 | |
| Democratic Party | 58 | 59 | |
| Republican Party | 40 | 39 | |
| Vacant | 0 | 0 | |
| Total | 98 | 98 | |
2022
Elections for the Washington House of Representatives took place in 2022. The general election was on November 8, 2022. A primary was scheduled for August 2, 2022. The filing deadline was May 20, 2022.
In the 2022 elections, Democrats increased their majority in the Washington state House from 57-41 to 58-40.
| Washington House of Representatives | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Party | As of November 8, 2022 | After November 9, 2022 | |
| Democratic Party | 57 | 58 | |
| Republican Party | 41 | 40 | |
| Total | 98 | 98 | |
2020
Elections for the office of Washington House of Representatives took place in 2020. The general election was held on November 3, 2020. A primary was scheduled for August 4, 2020. The filing deadline was May 15, 2020.
Heading into the election, Democrats held a 57-41 majority. Democrats retained their 57-41 majority in the election.
| Washington House of Representatives | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Party | As of November 3, 2020 | After November 4, 2020 | |
| Democratic Party | 57 | 57 | |
| Republican Party | 41 | 41 | |
| Total | 98 | 98 | |
2018
Elections for the Washington House of Representatives took place in 2018. A top-two primary election took place on August 7, 2018, and the general election was held on November 6, 2018. The candidate filing deadline was May 18, 2018.[18]
In the 2018 elections, Democrats increased their majority in the Washington House of Representatives from 50-48 to 57-41.
| Washington House of Representatives | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Party | As of November 6, 2018 | After November 7, 2018 | |
| Democratic Party | 50 | 57 | |
| Republican Party | 48 | 41 | |
| Total | 98 | 98 | |
2016
Elections for the Washington House of Representatives took place in 2016. The primary election was held on August 2, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The candidate filing deadline was May 20, 2016. All 98 seats in the Washington House of Representatives were up for election in 2016.
The Washington House of Representatives was one of 20 battleground chambers in 2016. Heading into the election, Democrats held a 50-48 majority. No partisan change occurred in the election.
| Washington House of Representatives | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Party | As of November 7, 2016 | After November 8, 2016 | |
| Democratic Party | 50 | 50 | |
| Republican Party | 48 | 48 | |
| Total | 98 | 98 | |
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2014Elections for the Washington House of Representatives took place in 2014. A blanket primary election took place on August 5, 2014. The general election was held on November 4, 2014. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was May 17, 2014. All 98 House seats were up for election in 2014. Heading into the election, Democrats held a 54-43 majority with one vacancy. Democrats lost four seats in the election, giving them a 50-47 majority with one vacancy.
2012Elections for the office of Washington House of Representatives took place in 2012. The primary election was held on August 7, 2012, and the general election was held on November 6, 2012. The candidate filing deadline was June 8, 2012. All 98 House seats were up for election in 2012. Heading into the election, Democrats held a 56-42 majority. Democrats lost one seat in the election, giving them a 55-43 majority.
The table below details the 10 districts with the smallest margin of victory in the November 6 general election in 2012.
2010Elections for the office of Washington House of Representatives took place in 2010. The primary election was held on August 17, 2010, and the general election was held on November 2, 2010. The candidate filing deadline was June 11, 2010. All 98 House seats were up for election in 2010. Heading into the election, Democrats held a 61-37 majority. Democrats lost four seats in the election, giving them a 57-41 majority.
2008Elections for the office of Washington House of Representatives consisted of a primary election on August 19, 2008, and a general election on November 4, 2008. All 98 House seats were up for election in 2008. During the 2008 election, the total value of contributions to House candidates was $15,450,663. The top 10 contributors were:[20]
2006Elections for the office of Washington House of Representatives consisted of a primary election on September 19, 2006, and a general election on November 7, 2006. All 98 House seats were up for election in 2006. During the 2006 election, the total value of contributions to House candidates was $13,723,444. The top 10 contributors were:[21]
2004Elections for the office of Washington House of Representatives consisted of a primary election on September 14, 2004, and a general election on November 2, 2004. All 98 House seats were up for election in 2004. During the 2004 election, the total value of contributions to House candidates was $12,635,786. The top 10 contributors were:[22]
2002Elections for the office of Washington House of Representatives consisted of a primary election on September 17, 2002, and a general election on November 5, 2002. All 98 House seats were up for election in 2002. During the 2002 election, the total value of contributions to House candidates was $12,776,890. The top 10 contributors were:[23]
2000Elections for the office of Washington House of Representatives consisted of a primary election on September 19, 2000, and a general election on November 7, 2000. All 98 House seats were up for election in 2000. During the 2000 election, the total value of contributions to House candidates was $12,789,859. The top 10 contributors were:[24]
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District maps
State Senate
State House
See also
- State legislature
- Washington State Legislature
- Washington State Senate
- Washington House of Representatives
- List of Washington state legislative elections
Footnotes
- ↑ Washington State Legislature, "Constitution of the State of Washington," accessed May 23, 2025
- ↑ Washington Legislature, "Washington Constitution - Section Article II, Section 15," accessed February 8, 2023
- ↑ National Conference of State Legislatures, "2024 Legislator Compensation," August 21, 2024
- ↑ Washington State Legislature, "Constitution of the State of Washington," accessed May 23, 2025
- ↑ Washington Legislature, "Washington Constitution - Section Article II, Section 15," accessed February 8, 2023
- ↑ National Conference of State Legislatures, "2024 Legislator Compensation," August 21, 2024
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 All About Redistricting, "Washington," accessed May 6, 2015
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 Washington State Standard, "Federal judge orders redrawing of Yakima Valley legislative district," August 10, 2023
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 U.S. District Court for the District of Washington at Seattle, "Case No. 3:22-cv-05035-RSL: Susan Soto Palmer v. Steven Hobbs," March 15, 2024
- ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Washington Secretary of State, "Elections Calendar 2018," accessed September 19, 2017
- ↑ A power-sharing agreement gave Republicans effective control of the chamber.
- ↑ Follow the Money, "Washington 2008 Candidates," accessed August 5, 2013
- ↑ Follow the Money, "Washington 2006 Candidates," accessed August 5, 2013
- ↑ Follow the Money, "Washington 2004 Candidates," accessed August 5, 2013
- ↑ Follow the Money, "Washington 2002 Candidates," accessed August 5, 2013
- ↑ Follow the Money, "Washington 2000 Candidates," accessed August 5, 2013
- ↑ Washington Secretary of State, "Elections Calendar 2018," accessed September 19, 2017
- ↑ Follow the Money, "Washington House 2010 Campaign Contribution," accessed August 2, 2013
- ↑ Follow the Money, "Washington 2008 Candidates," accessed August 5, 2013
- ↑ Follow the Money, "Washington 2006 Candidates," accessed August 5, 2013
- ↑ Follow the Money, "Washington 2004 Candidates," accessed August 5, 2013
- ↑ Follow the Money, "Washington 2002 Candidates," accessed August 5, 2013
- ↑ Follow the Money, "Washington 2000 Candidates," accessed August 5, 2013
