Trump-backed Joe Kent headed for a rematch with incumbent Rep. Perez in WA House district: AP

Former Republican Congressional nominee Joe Kent advanced in a heated primary on Tuesday night for Washington's third Congressional district, setting up another showdown between Kent and incumbent Democratic Rep. Marie Perez. 

Kent, who was endorsed by former President Donald Trump in 2022 and 2024, advanced to the November general election with 38.4% of the vote, according to the Associated Press. Perez also advanced to the general election on Tuesday night.

Under state law, the two most popular candidates in Washington advance to the general election regardless of political party.

The special forces veteran previously served as a foreign policy advisor to Trump in 2021, and was expected to win the conservative leaning district in 2022, but narrowly lost to Perez. Perez's victory made her the first Democratic representative in the third district in over a decade, according to the Associated Press.

Kent also fended off a challenge from former King County Prosecutor Leslie Lewallen, who is perceived as a more moderate Republican. 

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.