Washington may still be a deep-blue bastion, but even the Evergreen State saw a glimmer of red in the Nov. 5 general election. Despite media narratives of Washington trending bluer amid a red wave nationally, Republicans here quietly improved their numbers. Trump’s vote share in the state ticked up from 38.77% in 2020 to 39.01%—a modest quarter-point gain, but a gain nonetheless.

The Washington GOP highlighted this “small rightward shift” as part of a broader trend, with Republican candidates improving their average performance by four percentage points across the board. In swing districts, legislative and congressional races saw GOP contenders reach a competitive 47% median performance, showing there’s life in the old elephant yet.

Democrats still swept statewide offices and hold majorities in Olympia, but state Republican Chair Jim Walsh struck an optimistic note, seeing the groundwork for a stronger showing in future cycles. At this rate, maybe there’s hope for Washington after all—or at least for a more balanced shade of purple. Read more at Center Square.

Let’s Go Washington isn’t letting this slide. The group filed complaints against Green Jobs PAC and SEIU for allegedly hiding a combined $1.5 million in campaign spending until after the election—a direct violation of state law. While LGW got slapped with a $20,000 fine for a technicality, their opponents apparently get a free pass for the same, if not worse, offenses. Founder Brian Heywood called out the hypocrisy, insisting these groups shouldn’t play by their own set of rules when taxpayer money is involved. The Public Disclosure Commission has yet to act, but – as LGW says – it’s time for accountability and transparency across the board. Read more at Center Square.

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell turned a Christmas tree lighting into a clumsy campaign rally, trading holiday cheer for progressive platitudes. Attendees came for lights and music but got a sermon on social justice and “One Seattle,” complete with scattered boos from his own base. Harrell’s speech awkwardly tied the holiday to Seattle’s political woes, ignoring the policies that made rebuilding necessary. Instead of uniting the city, he used the moment to pander and posture, overshadowing what should’ve been a rare chance for togetherness. Even at Christmas, Seattle can’t catch a break. Read more at MyNorthwest.com.

Despite pouring billions into homelessness services, Washington is now staring down a $403 million funding shortfall thanks to slowing real estate sales. The Department of Commerce wants lawmakers to backfill the gap, but with a $12 billion state budget deficit looming, that’s a hard sell. Democrat State Rep. Nicole Macri insists cuts aren’t an option, while others mull new taxes. Meanwhile, providers are already overwhelmed, turning people away daily, proving that even with massive spending, the system isn’t working. So, as Gov. Inslee preps his budget, taxpayers are left wondering: how can so much money lead to so little progress? The answer? Democrats are in charge. Read more at The Washington State Standard.

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