Kincaid for Congress · Washington's 1st District · 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you want to know about Kincaid, the race, the district, and how Washington's voting system works.
Is Kincaid a Democrat?
Yes. Kincaid filed as a Democrat and is running in the Democratic column in Washington's top two primary. This is a Democratic primary challenge to incumbent Rep. Suzan DelBene in Washington's 1st Congressional District.
Has Kincaid officially filed to be on the ballot?
Yes. Kincaid filed with the State of Washington during the official candidate filing week in May 2026. The filing deadline was May 8, 2026. Kincaid is officially on the ballot for the August 4, 2026 primary.
Why is Kincaid challenging Suzan DelBene?
After twelve years in Congress, Rep. DelBene's record deserves scrutiny. Her net worth has more than doubled during her time in office. She has taken significant corporate PAC money. And on issue after issue H-1B visa abuse, women's safety, AI workforce displacement, housing the district has been underrepresented. WA-01 deserves a representative whose first loyalty is to the people of this district, not to the donors and institutions that have funded her career. You can read the full case at Suzan DelBene's Record in Congress: The Facts.
Where can I learn more about Kincaid's positions?
The Issues & Policy Hub is the best place to start. It covers all major issue areas with links to every full policy proposal and statement on this site. Kincaid has more detailed, original policy positions than any other challenger in this race.
What is Kincaid's goal in the primary?
The goal is to finish second in the August 4 primary. Washington uses a top two primary system. All candidates from all parties appear on the same ballot, and the top two vote getters regardless of party advance to the November general election. Kincaid's strategy is to consolidate enough support from voters who want a real choice in November to earn that second spot. Finishing second in the primary means facing Suzan DelBene one on one in November.
Why is Kincaid the only candidate who can beat Suzan DelBene in the general election?
It comes down to the math of WA-01. This district has a Cook PVI of D+15 it votes 15 points more Democratic than the national average. That means a far left or socialist challenger cannot win a general election here. They would excite a narrow base while driving moderate and independent voters back to DelBene or to a Republican. The only candidate who can win in November is one who appeals across the full spectrum of the district progressive on climate, healthcare, and workers' rights, but honest about public safety, women's fairness, and fiscal responsibility. That is exactly what this campaign is. A candidate who takes on the corporate capture of the Democratic Party while speaking to voters who have been written off as too moderate to matter. That is why Kincaid wins in November where others cannot.
Can a challenger really win against a twelve year incumbent?
Yes. Incumbents lose primary challenges when they have drifted from their constituents, when the political environment is shifting, and when a credible alternative exists. All three conditions are present in WA-01 right now. Del Bene has taken more corporate PAC money than almost any other Democrat in Washington's delegation. Voter frustration with Washington's political establishment is at a high point. And this campaign has built a substantive policy platform that gives voters a genuine reason to choose something different.
What does "top two primary" mean?
Washington state does not use a traditional party primary. Instead, all candidates from all parties appear on a single ballot. Every registered voter can vote for any candidate, regardless of party. The top two vote getters advance to the November general election even if both are Democrats, or both are Republicans. This means that in a heavily Democratic district like WA-01, two Democrats could face each other in November. That is exactly the scenario Kincaid is aiming for.
Do I have to be a registered Democrat to vote for Kincaid in the primary?
No. Washington does not register voters by party. Any registered voter in WA-01 can vote for Kincaid in the August 4 primary. You do not need to declare a party preference. There is no party box on the envelope. Simply vote for the candidate you want that's it.
Key Dates for 2026
| August 4, 2026 | Primary Election Day |
| ~July 17, 2026 | Ballots mailed to all registered voters (18 days before primary) |
| ~Mid-July 2026 | State & local voters' pamphlets arrive (with or just before ballot) |
| July 27, 2026 | Last day to register or update address online/by mail for primary |
| November 3, 2026 | General Election Day |
When will I receive my ballot?
Washington is a vote-by-mail state. All registered voters automatically receive a ballot in the mail. For the August 4 primary, ballots are mailed no later than 18 days before Election Day which means they should arrive around July 17, 2026. You do not need to request a ballot. If you are registered to vote in WA-01, it comes to you.
When will I receive my voters' pamphlet?
Washington publishes both a state voters' pamphlet (from the Secretary of State) and a local voters' pamphlet (from your county). Both typically arrive in mid July, around the same time as your ballot or just before it. The state pamphlet includes statements from all candidates for federal and statewide offices. Kincaid's statement will appear in the pamphlet alongside all other candidates for WA-01. You can also view the pamphlet online at sos.wa.gov once it is published.
How do I return my ballot?
You have two options mail it back using the prepaid return envelope (USPS recommends mailing at least one week before Election Day), or drop it at any official ballot drop box in your county by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day. Drop boxes are available 24 hours a day until Election Day. Track your ballot at VoteWA.gov.
Am I registered to vote?
Check your registration at VoteWA.gov. Washington also offers same day registration through Election Day in person at a Voter Service Center. The deadline to register or update your address online or by mail for the August primary is July 27, 2026.
Am I in Washington's 1st Congressional District?
The fastest way to check is the Washington Legislature's District Finder: app.leg.wa.gov/districtfinder. Enter your address, select "Congressional" under District Type, and it will tell you your district and your current representatives. You can also check at VoteWA.gov.
What communities are in WA-01?
Washington's 1st Congressional District covers portions of King County and Snohomish County. It runs from the Eastside suburbs of Seattle north through Snohomish County. The current boundaries have been in effect since the 2022 redistricting. Below is the full list of cities, towns, and communities in the district.
King County
Bellevue (part) · Bothell (part) · Carnation · Clyde Hill · Cottage Lake (part) · Duvall · Hunts Point · Kenmore · Kirkland · Medina · Redmond (part) · Union Hill-Novelty Hill (part) · Woodinville · Yarrow Point
Snohomish County
Alderwood Manor · Arlington · Bothell (part) · Brier · Darrington · Edmonds · Everett · Gold Bar · Granite Falls · Index · Lake Stevens · Lynnwood · Marysville · Mill Creek · Monroe · Mountlake Terrace · Mukilteo · Shoreline (part) · Skykomish · Snohomish · Sultan · Woodway
Note: Some cities are split between congressional districts. If you are unsure whether your specific address is in WA-01, use the District Finder tool linked above.
Washington's 1st Congressional District covers portions of King and Snohomish counties, running from the Eastside suburbs of Seattle north through Snohomish County.
This campaign takes positions that fringe elements within the Democratic Party consider threats to their power opposition to men competing in women's sports, support for Israel, and a firm stand against antisemitism. Because of those positions, Kincaid is under no illusion about what is coming. The question is not whether there will be harassment and political violence directed at this campaign. The question is only how severe it will be.
Why does Kincaid expect political violence?
The fringe elements that have gained influence over the Democratic Party socialist factions, antisemitic actors, and trans activist groups willing to use intimidation . View this campaign as a direct challenge to their grip on the party. Kincaid's positions on women's fairness in sports, support for Israel, and public condemnation of antisemitism are not positions these groups will tolerate without response. That response, based on everything we have seen in recent American politics, will include harassment, threats, and potentially physical confrontation.
Why are there no campaign rallies?
Because the risk of violent protest at any public campaign event is too high, and innocent people could be hurt. Kincaid will not put supporters, bystanders, or community members in danger. The decision to hold no public rallies is a deliberate one, made out of concern for the safety of everyone except the candidate. Kincaid alone accepts that risk. No one else should have to.
Why are there no door to door volunteers?
For the same reason. Anyone visibly associated with this campaign could become a target. Kincaid will not ask people to put themselves in that position. There will be no organized canvassing or door knocking operation. If you want to support this campaign, the safest and most effective ways to do so are to donate, vote, and talk to people you already know and trust.
What does this say about the state of the Democratic Party?
It says that fringe elements have been allowed to go too far for too long without accountability from Democratic leadership. When a Democratic candidate running on mainstream positions protecting women's sports, opposing antisemitism, supporting a democratic ally has to calculate the physical safety risk of holding a public event, something has gone seriously wrong. That is precisely why this campaign exists. The Democratic Party must be reclaimed by the people it was built to represent, not held hostage by its loudest and most extreme fringes.
"I alone must be the only one in danger. I will not ask anyone else to take that risk. Unfortunately, that is the state of America today."
— Kincaid
How can I support this campaign?
Two ways donate and vote. Every dollar helps an independent campaign compete against an incumbent with a large war chest. And your vote on August 4 is the most direct and powerful thing you can do. Visit the Donations page to contribute.
How do I contact the campaign?
Use the Contact page.
I have a question that isn't answered here. What do I do?
Send it through the Contact page. If it's a question others are likely asking too, it may end up on this page.
Paid for by Kincaid for Congress · kincaidforcongress.com · Washington's 1st Congressional District · 2026
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