Kim Schrier wins third term in WA-08

The Associated Press called the race Thursday evening.

Democratic Congresswoman Kim Schrier secured re-election in Washington's 8th District, according to a race call Thursday by the Associated Press.

Schrier currently has nearly 11,000 votes over her opponent, Republican Matt Larkin.

"I'm just delighted," Schrier told KUOW by phone, shortly after learning of her win.

She said one of her top priorities for her third term in D.C. is safeguarding women's health care.

But first, she plans to take a victory tour of her district.

"I just had ice cream with my family...I cannot wait to get back out on the road in the district with all my favorite eating and celebrating spots along the way," Schrier said.

The sprawling 8th District, which includes part of King County, straddles the Cascade Mountains. Back in 2018, Schrier flipped the district from Republican to Democrat for the first time in its history.

Analysts had predicted this election season could see a massive wave of Republican wins across the country, and Schrier's race was forecast as one of the tightest. But that so-called "red wave" did not materialize. And Schrier maintained a lead of at least 4 percentage points over her opponent as ballot counting progressed in Washington state this week.

Sean Patrick Maloney, chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, released a statement congratulating Schrier on Thursday.

"Congresswoman Schrier has proven to be an independent and effective voice for the people of Washington’s 8th Congressional District," Maloney said. "She has gotten 13 bills signed into law since taking office, including legislation to lower the cost of prescription drugs like insulin, and has always stood up for a woman’s right to make her own health care decisions. I’m confident that she will continue this important work on behalf of Washington families in Congress."

Reached by email, the Larkin campaign did not concede.

"With so many ballots remaining to be reported in King County, it is important we wait to make a final call on this race until a substantial portion of those votes are cast," said campaign spokesperson Mary Ann Pruitt.