U.S. Representative District 1 in Congressional District 1, Washington

2026 Primary Election

• James Etzkorn — Incumbent, Director of District 4 in Monroe, Washington

  James Etzkorn is an engineering manager. He was first appointed to the Monroe School Board in March 2023 to fill a vacancy for District 4. He subsequently ran unopposed in the November 2023 General Election to serve the remaining two years of the unexpired term, which concludes in 2025.

• Benjamin Kincaid — Author in WA

  Benjamin Kincaid is a Democratic candidate seeking election to the U.S. House to represent Washington's 1st Congressional District. He is scheduled to appear on the primary ballot on August 4, 2026. Kincaid's background includes attending Iowa Central Community College, and his career experience lists him as an author.

• Suzan Delbene — Incumbent U.S. Representative in Bellevue, WA

  Suzan DelBene is the incumbent U.S. Representative for Washington's 1st congressional district, a position she has held since November 2012. A Democrat, she is seeking re-election in 2026. DelBene serves as Chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and previously chaired the New Democrat Coalition. Born in Selma, Alabama, she grew up in Bellevue, Washington, and holds degrees from Reed College and the University of Washington. In 2026, she introduced legislation focusing on manufacturing job opportunities for veterans, digital privacy protections, and investing in high-speed rail. She maintains district offices in Bellevue and Washington, D.C.

• Bryce Nickel — Candidate for U.S. Representative in Marysville, WA

  Bryce Nickel is a Democratic candidate for U.S. Representative in Washington's 1st Congressional District. He has a notable collegiate wrestling background, having competed at the University of the Cumberlands from 2019 to 2024, finishing his academic tenure as a graduate student. Currently, he does not have endorsements from established Democratic or progressive organizations. He resides in Marysville, Washington, and has submitted candidate survey responses to Ballotpedia.

• Hunter Gordon — Home Care Aide in Redmond, WA

  Hunter Gordon is a Democratic candidate for U.S. House in Washington's 1st Congressional District. A lifelong district resident, he graduated from Tesla STEM School and Western Washington University in 2018. As a home care aide for over five years, including for his brother with Down Syndrome, and a union worker, he is committed to fighting for working people. Gordon is running to challenge the "billionaire class" and establish a government prioritizing citizens. His platform includes universal healthcare, higher taxes on the wealthy, a wealth tax, national rent control, affordable housing, and abolishing ICE. He aims to remake the Democratic Party and has received an endorsement from Track AIPAC.

• Mary Silva — Audiologist in WA

  Mary Silva is a Republican challenger seeking election to the U.S. House of Representatives for Washington's 1st Congressional District in the 2026 primary election. Professionally, Silva has a background as an audiologist. Her academic journey includes earning a bachelor's degree from Western Washington University in 2003, a graduate degree from Washington State University in 2006, and another degree from Salus University in 2009. She has also been affiliated with the Washington State Academy of Audiology. She will be on the primary ballot on August 4, 2026.

• Catherine Hildebrand — Candidate for U.S. Representative in Mountlake Terrace, WA

  Catherine Hildebrand is a Democratic candidate for U.S. Representative in Washington's 1st Congressional District, participating in the 2026 primary election on August 4. Her campaign website highlights her as a dedicated voice for WA-01, committed to representing the community with integrity and progress. She aims to fight for constituents with heart and courage, emphasizing a community-first approach and serving all Americans as a trusted leader.