Oregon Public Broadcasting

Primary election results are in for Washington's third congressional district race.

Republican Jaime Herrera and Democrat Denny Heck will compete in the general election in November. Heck took 31 percent of the votes in the top two primary race, and Herrera came in second with 27 percent.

Amelia Templeton / OPB

Jaime Herrera talks with a supporter on election night.

In a victory speech at her headquarters last night, Republican Jaime Herrera praised the retiring incumbent Congressman, Democrat Brian Baird.

He's stepping down after representing the district for 12 years. She called him an independent voice.

Jaime Herrera: "And that's what we need is someone who's willing to put our needs and our values ahead of partisanship and that's something I'm willing to do."

Herrera repeated her stump speech about government spending.

Jaime Herrera: "I'm willing to put away our nation¹s credit card. As a state legislator I've voted to rein in spending every time. I've voted against new tax increases. I've voted against giving the state more authority over our lives."

Greeting supporters at a local restaurant last night, Democrat Denny Heck also stuck to his main campaign message: job creation.

Amelia Templeton / OPB

Denny Heck speaks to supporters election night.

Denny Heck "Let me tell you the number released today that's even more important than the election result. And that was the unemployment data released earlier today. If you haven't read it, please know this: Clark County now has the highest unemployment of any county in the state."

The campaign has attracted national attention. Both candidates say they expect the race between them to be spirited and extremely close. 

The Washington Secretary of State will certify the primary results in about two weeks.