Voters in Federal Way and across Congressional District 9 will decide between incumbent Adam Smith and challenger Doug Basler for United States Representative in the upcoming November 3 general election. Ballots are scheduled to be mailed to voters on October 14, and must be postmarked by election day or returned to official ballot drop boxes by 8 p.m. on election day. Smith prefers the Democratic Party, while Basler prefers the Republican Party, according to the King County Elections website.
Representative Smith described the 9th District as a "tremendously diverse and hard-working community" that he has called home his entire life. He stated his focus is on "strengthening the middle class and investing in our future" as the nation navigates significant challenges. Smith emphasized the need for change regarding opportunities for working-class families, particularly those from a union background like his own.
Smith outlined priorities including bringing down housing costs to make homeownership achievable again. He advocates for growing the economy from the middle out, increasing economic opportunities, and protecting unions. His platform also includes expanding job training and workforce development programs, as well as creating and safeguarding well-paying jobs.
On healthcare, Smith believes all individuals should have access to quality and affordable care, suggesting a restructuring of the system toward a single-payer plan like Medicare for All. Having served as a past chairman and top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, Smith stated he has prioritized ensuring support for all service members and their families. He also pledged to continue efforts to "rebuild our representative democracy that Trump has tried to tear down," restore accountability, and lower the cost of everyday life by delivering tangible results for working people.
Doug Basler stated his candidacy for Congress is driven by a belief that families in Washington’s 9th District deserve greater opportunity to build a good life, a vision he terms the "Opportunity Revolution." Basler articulated that government's role should be to protect freedom, reward work, remove unnecessary barriers, keep communities safe, and provide people with the chance to build a prosperous life. His "Opportunity Revolution" encourages individuals to "Dream. Work. Save. Own. Prosper."
Basler affirmed he would not shy away from difficult issues. He indicated he would collaborate with President Trump when in agreement and express disagreement when appropriate, asserting his responsibility to represent the people of the 9th District. Regarding social policies, Basler stated he is pro-life and hopes people choose life, but does not support a federal abortion ban. He also expressed strong support for IVF and contraception, and advocated for increased support for children and families, especially those at risk.
Basler proposed that before establishing new government programs to make services affordable, policies contributing to high costs should be examined and addressed first, advocating to "attack the cost" rather than subsidizing the price. This approach includes making housing more attainable by reducing unnecessary building barriers, encouraging business growth and job creation, and rewarding work, saving, and investment. He also supports reliable and affordable energy and maintaining community safety. Basler urged a "YES" vote on three statewide initiatives: IL26-001 for parents’ rights, IL26-638 to protect girls’ sports and safe spaces, and IP26-645 to repeal Washington’s new income tax.
The 9th Congressional District encompasses a broad area, including Federal Way, Mercer Island, Kent, Renton, Des Moines, and various segments of Seattle and Bellevue, among other communities.
