Meline widens lead for second place in 8th District primary

Republican Spencer Meline

NORTH CENTRAL WASHINGTON – Incumbent U.S. Rep. Kim Schrier continued to hold a commanding lead Thursday afternoon in Washington's 8th Congressional District primary, while Republican Spencer Meline expanded his lead over fellow Republican Trinh Ha in the race for the second spot on the November ballot.

According to results updated at 4:38 p.m. Thursday, Schrier received 52.93% of the districtwide vote, totaling 85,029 votes.

Meline remained in second place with 15.67%, or 25,181 votes, extending his lead over Ha to 619 votes. Ha received 15.29% of the vote with 24,562 votes.

Republican Bob Hagglund received 11.14% of the vote with 17,903 votes. Republican Andres Valleza received 2.45% with 3,935 votes, while Democrat Keith Arnold received 2.35% with 3,769 votes.

Under Washington's top-two primary system, the two candidates receiving the most votes advance to the Nov. 3 general election regardless of party affiliation.

Although additional ballots remain to be counted, Meline strengthened his position after leading Ha by just 42 votes in Wednesday's count.

Schrier also continued to lead the field in Chelan County, receiving 49.05% of the vote with 10,015 votes.

Meline increased his local advantage with 20.36%, or 4,157 votes, while Ha received 14.28%, or 2,916 votes. Hagglund received 12.45% with 2,543 votes. Arnold received 1.91% with 390 votes, and Valleza received 1.85% with 378 votes.

Meline continued to outperform Ha in Chelan County, where he held a margin of 1,241 votes. Schrier's share of the vote in the county remained lower than her districtwide percentage, though she continued to carry Chelan County by a comfortable margin.

Washington's 8th Congressional District includes Chelan and Kittitas counties, portions of King, Pierce and Snohomish counties, and a small portion of Douglas County. Schrier, a pediatrician from Sammamish, has represented the district since 2019.

In Chelan County, election officials continued processing ballots Thursday. Updated voter turnout and ballot count figures were not immediately available with the latest results.

Election results remain unofficial until certified, and counties are expected to continue releasing updated ballot counts in the coming days. Ward Media will continue updating this story as additional results are reported.