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General Election Field Takes Shape
All three state legislative seats representing Washington’s 21st District are open in the November election, with incumbent Democrats facing challenges from candidates across multiple parties. The general election is scheduled for Nov. 3.
Democratic incumbents Marko Liias, Strom Peterson, and Lillian Ortiz-Self are seeking to maintain their positions against Republican Riaz Khan, Democrat Jason Moon, and Libertarian Bruce Guthrie, respectively.
All candidates automatically advanced through the August primary because each race featured only two candidates. In the primary results, Liias and Ortiz-Self each received over 70% of the vote. Peterson secured approximately 54% of the vote, while his challenger, Moon, received about 44%.
Challenger Platforms and Campaign Limits
Republican challenger Riaz Khan, 57, is a Boeing engineer and former Mukilteo City Council member. He has stated that Washington state currently has the highest gas tax in the country and aims to decrease gas prices for residents.
Khan prioritizes public safety, opposing tax increases, and government accountability. He said the state budget should be balanced and argued that both political parties need to collaborate on solutions for homelessness, specifically citing affordable housing and rental assistance.
On education policy, Khan opposes students learning about "sexual classes" or LGBTQ+ topics in schools. He stated he wants to leave children alone to focus on their grades.
Khan has been endorsed by Snohomish County Council member Nate Nehring. He filed a mini reporting campaign with the state Public Disclosure Commission, which limits his spending to $7,000.
Incumbent Priorities and Legislative Context
Democrat incumbent Marko Liias, 45, serves as the Senate’s transportation committee chair. He prioritizes addressing the cost of living, creating jobs, and combating federal government overreach.
State senators in Washington serve four-year terms, while representatives serve two-year terms. Legislators earn $72,494 per year.
The political landscape for these races occurs against a backdrop of rising energy costs. According to The New York Times, gas prices across the country have risen about 34% on average between 2025 and 2026, with cost increases attributed to the ongoing war with Iran.
