Quick Answer: Washington’s 2026 candidate filing window closed May 8 at 5 PM. The August 4 primary ballot for Snohomish County is now set. Ballots mail July 15. Registration deadline: July 27. Key contested races: CD-2 (Rick Larsen vs. 4 challengers), District 38 State Senate, Snohomish County offices, and the Everett EMS levy. Here is the complete voter guide to every race and how to participate.
How Washington’s Top-Two Primary Works
Washington uses a nonpartisan top-two primary. All candidates for a given race appear on a single ballot regardless of party affiliation. The two candidates receiving the most votes — even if both are from the same party — advance to the November 3 general election. This system means competitive primaries can produce two Democrats or two Republicans in November, and that multi-candidate races where the opposition vote splits can reward candidates with strong base support even in nominally unfavorable districts.
Congressional Races
Congressional District 2 covers a large portion of Snohomish County including Everett. Incumbent Rick Larsen (D) — in office since 2001 — faces four challengers: Edwin H. Feller (R), Devin Hermanson (D), Raymond Pelletti (R), and Tomas Scheel (D). With two Democratic challengers splitting the opposition to Larsen within the party, and two Republicans competing for the right-of-center lane, CD-2 is the county’s most watched primary. Larsen’s 25-year incumbency and name recognition make him the strong favorite to advance, but his margin in the primary will signal district health heading into November.
Congressional District 1 — covering parts of the county’s southern and eastern edges — has incumbent Suzan DelBene (D) facing five challengers: James Etzkorn (I), Hunter Gordon (D), Catherine Hildebrand (D), Benjamin Kincaid (D), Bryce Nickel (D), and Mary Silva (R). Four Democratic challengers make this the most crowded primary field in the county.
Congressional District 8, covering the county’s eastern edge, has incumbent Kim Schrier (D) facing Keith Arnold (D), Trinh Ha (R), Bob Hagglund (R), Spencer Meline (R), and Andres Valleza (R). Three Republican challengers will split the right-of-center vote in this competitive suburban district.
State Legislative Races: Districts That Cover Everett
District 38 covers Everett and surrounding communities directly. State Sen. June Robinson (D) faces challenger Brad Bender (R) in the Senate race. In the House, Rep. Julio Cortes (D) faces Annie Fitzgerald (D) and Thomas (Jeff) Kelly (Cascade) in Position 1 — a three-way race with two Democratic candidates that will test Cortes’s hold on the seat. Rep. Mary Fosse (D) filed alone for Position 2 and advances automatically to the November general.
District 44 covers Mill Creek and adjacent areas of Snohomish County. State Sen. John Lovick (D) faces Sherri Larkin (R). In the House, Rep. Brandy Donaghy (D) faces Chris Elder (R) in Position 1.
The Everett EMS Levy — Proposition No. 1
The City of Everett’s EMS levy lid lift — approved by the City Council to appear on the August 4 ballot — is on this primary ballot as a proposition separate from the candidate races. The levy question asks Everett voters to approve a property tax lid lift to fund expanded emergency medical services. This is the financial mechanism the City uses to sustain EMS capacity beyond what existing levy limits allow. The complete EMS levy voter guide covers what the lid lift means for homeowners and what EMS funding level the levy would sustain.
How to Vote in the August 4 Primary
Washington is a vote-by-mail state. All registered voters in Snohomish County will receive ballots by mail beginning July 15. The ballot must be returned — by mail or drop box — by 8 PM on August 4. The voter registration deadline for this election is July 27; same-day registration is not available for mail ballots.
To check registration status, update an address, or register: sos.wa.gov or the Snohomish County Elections Office at 3000 Rockefeller Ave, Everett. Drop box locations will be published by the Elections Office ahead of the July 15 ballot mailing.
What Everett Voters Should Know About CD-2
Congressional District 2 is the race with the most direct connection to Everett’s federal priorities — NAVSTA Everett funding advocacy, FF(X) frigate homeport lobbying, Sound Transit Everett Link Extension authorization, and Boeing workforce policy all flow through the CD-2 congressional office. Rep. Larsen has been the incumbent on all of those issues for 25 years. The primary will establish whether any challenger can consolidate enough support to pose a genuine November challenge in what has historically been a safely Democratic district at the congressional level.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2026 Snohomish County primary?
August 4, 2026. Ballots mail July 15. Registration deadline July 27.
Who is running against Rick Larsen?
Edwin H. Feller (R), Devin Hermanson (D), Raymond Pelletti (R), Tomas Scheel (D). Four challengers in CD-2.
What is on the Everett August 4 ballot besides candidates?
The EMS levy lid lift (Proposition No. 1) — Everett voters decide whether to approve a property tax increase to fund expanded EMS.
How does the top-two primary work?
All candidates appear on one ballot regardless of party. Top two vote-getters advance to November, even if both are from the same party.
What District 38 races are contested?
Senate: June Robinson (D) vs. Brad Bender (R). House Position 1: Julio Cortes (D) vs. Annie Fitzgerald (D) vs. Thomas Kelly (Cascade). House Position 2: Mary Fosse (D) — runs unopposed, advances to November automatically.
Where do I drop off my ballot in Everett?
Drop box locations will be published at snohomishcountywa.gov ahead of the July 15 ballot mailing. The Elections Office is at 3000 Rockefeller Ave, Everett.
Related coverage: Everett EMS Levy Complete Voter Guide | 2026 Dual Charter Review Voter Guide | Candidate Filing Window Opens: What to Know
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