(The Center Square) – Initial results for election night show U.S. Congressman Adam Smith, D-Wash., continuing to hold his 9th Congressional District seat with nearly 70% of collected votes over Democratic challenger Melissa Chaudhry.
Smith has served in the 9th Congressional District seat for 27 years. His opponent, Chaudhry, is a nonprofit grant writer who touts that her campaign is powered by grassroots efforts.
Smith’s priorities include: protecting labor unions, criminal justice reform centered on rehabilitation, spending more on Section 8 housing and other federal government programs, and tax incentives to promote small business
Smith has supported progressive initiatives in the past. This includes the City of SeaTac’s $15 minimum wage.
Smith also co-sponsored the Freedom of Religion Act, which prohibit refugees, travelers, and immigrants from being denied entry due to religious beliefs.
The incumbent congressman received 53.8% of votes in the Primary Election last August, while Chaudhry collected 20%.
Chaudhry’s campaign centered on foreign policy that prioritized peace and diplomacy, especially regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Her other priorities include taxing the 1%; basic financial, housing, and food support for students in need; mitigating and preferably decreasing property taxes to address homelessness; providing public funds for social housing; and criminal justice reform centered on rehabilitation.
Smith has received flack from pro-Palestinian protesters in the past. Last December, Smith’s Bellevue home was vandalized by pro-Palestine protesters after he signed a letter with over 100 other U.S. House members condemning the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023.
Smith also called for the arrests of protestors who occupied his office in April.
The state’s 9th Congressional District stretches from the ity cof Bellevue and southern parts of Seattle down to Federal Way.
