Elections typically occur during even-numbered years. The 2024 election, for example, led to a historic number of new legislators and statewide elected officials taking office in 2025. However, changes mid-way through a legislative term – 2 year for House seats and 4 years for Senate seats – mean an appointed legislature must run an election during the interim following their appointment in order to retain their seat. This is called a special election.
Campaigns are already ramping up for the 2025 special election. Following the 2024 elections and gubernatorial appointments, party officials appointed 9 legislators to fill vacant seats in the House and Senate. Voters in six legislative districts will select their top two candidates to go onto the general election in November.
Candidate filing began on Monday, May 5th for the 2025 special elections. Below are the candidates vying to protect their appointed seats or throwing their hats in the ring for a new position:
5th Legislative District
The late Senator Bill Ramos passed away just days before the conclusion of the 2025 session. As a result, current Representative Victoria Hunt is running to fill the vacant Senate seat. Hunt, a Democrat, will face former Representative Chad Magendanz (R ).
26th Legislative District
Party officials appointed Sen. Deb Krishnadasan (D) to fill the seat previously held by now-Congresswoman Emily Randall. Current Rep. Michelle Caldier (R) announced that she will run against Krishnadasan in November. No other candidates have filed in this race.
33rd Legislative District
Sen. Tina Orwall (D) was appointed to replace Karen Keiser, who retired at the end of last year. Sen. Orwall appears to be running unopposed. Appointed to fill Orwall’s vacant House seat, Rep. Edwin Obras is challenged by two candidates: Republican Darryl Jones and Democrat Kevin Schilling.
34th Legislative District
In January, Governor Ferguson appointed former state Senator Joe Nguyen to lead the Washington State Department of Commerce. Party officials selected Emily Alvarado (D) to fill the vacant Senate seat. She is running to retain the seat, and appears to be unopposed. Party officials appointed Rep. Brianna Thomas to fill Alvarado’s vacant House seat, and she is running to retain that position. Thomas is running unopposed.
41st Legislative District
The Governor appointed former Representative Tana Senn to lead the state Department of Children, Youth and Families, and party officials selected Janice Zahn to fill her seat. Zahn will face challenges from Democrat Vinita Kak and Republican John Whitney.
48th Legislative District
Former state Senator Patty Kuderer won her election to serve as the state’s Insurance Commissioner. Vandana Slatter, formerly a member of the House, was appointed to fill the vacant Senate Seat. Amy Walen, the runner up for the Senate appointment, is challenging Slatter for the seat. Both legislators are Democrats. Party officials appointed Osman Salahuddin to fill Slatter’s vacant House seat, and he is running to retain the position. Democrat Ranga Bondada and Republican Dennis Ellis are challenging Salahuddin.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 interim is already shaping up to be busy, with the coming June Revenue Forecast to shape supplemental budget expectations, special elections, and committee interim work. Keep checking back here to stay up to date on the latest.