U.S. Representative District 10 in Congressional District 10, Washington

2026 Primary Election

• Adam Arafat — Program manager in Spanaway, WA

  Adam Arafat is a husband, father, and combat veteran running for U.S. Representative in Washington's 10th Congressional District. Born in Lafayette, Louisiana, he served 20 years in the U.S. Army before earning degrees from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and Florida Institute of Technology. His career includes work as a program manager and public-sector infrastructure leader, managing projects across the Puget Sound region. Arafat is focused on strengthening families, protecting working people, and restoring trust in government. He is running because he believes working families are falling behind and has pledged not to accept corporate PAC money, choosing to answer to voters instead. He lives in Spanaway, WA.

• Marilyn Strickland — Incumbent U.S. Representative in Lacey, WA

  Marilyn Strickland is an incumbent Democratic U.S. Representative for Washington's 10th Congressional District, serving since January 3, 2021. At 63, she is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress. Strickland serves on the House Armed Services and Transportation and Infrastructure Committees, also acting as Whip of the New Democrat Coalition and Secretary of the Congressional Black Caucus. Her legislative work includes a childcare access bill, securing funds for the South Sound, and the Nisqually Clear Creek Hatchery Land Transfer Act. She addresses rising costs, advocates for local businesses, and questions military policy. Strickland is seeking re-election in 2026.

• Kurtis Engle — Candidate for U.S. House of Representatives in Lacey, WA

  Kurtis Engle, a Union Party candidate, is seeking election to the U.S. House, representing Washington's 10th Congressional District in the 2026 primary. A Seattle native, Engle served in the U.S. Navy from 1979 to 1982, having enlisted at age 16 after earning his GED. His professional background includes experience as a mechanic and painter, among other roles. Residing in Lacey, Washington, he previously ran for Washington Secretary of State in the 2022 primary election. He campaigns on pledges of independence, people-powered funding, anti-corruption, and civility.

• Alex Scheel — Merchandiser in Puyallup, WA

  Alex Scheel, a Democrat, is seeking election to the U.S. House to represent Washington's 10th Congressional District. With a diverse background, Scheel has experience in the craft beverage industry, holding roles such as merchandiser, cellarperson, cidermaker, and bartender. Scheel also served in the U.S. Army as a Human Intelligence Collector from 2007 to 2014. An alumnus of The Evergreen State College, this professional history informs their campaign as they prepare for the August 4, 2026, primary election.

• Derek Maynes — Small business owner in Graham, WA

  Derek Maynes is running for U.S. Representative for Washington's 10th Congressional District in the 2026 primary election. He served in the U.S. Air Force and earned a bachelor's degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 2011. Maynes' professional background includes operating a small business in the aeronautical industry, an experience which he states has taught him the critical importance of wise budgeting and effective resource utilization. He emphasizes that education funding should prioritize quality and student achievement over mere quantity. Maynes is running as a candidate with no party preference, pledging to be independent, people-powered, anti-corruption, and to maintain civility in his campaign.

• Chris D. Chung — Pharmacist in Lakewood, WA

  Chris D. Chung is a Republican candidate for U.S. Representative in Washington's 10th Congressional District in the 2026 primary election. He is a pharmacist by profession, having operated a community pharmacy for over 30 years and earning a graduate degree from St. John's University. Chung lives in Lakewood, Washington, and previously resided in Federal Way for over 25 years. Raised by his mother, he comes from a family with a tradition of public service. He previously ran in the 2024 Insurance Commissioner primary, earning over 54,000 votes. Chung states a commitment to health, safety, and better education.