WA Democrats Poised to Expand Power in Olympia + Income Tax Could Hurt Nonprofits & Charities

Washington Republicans face major losses in the 2026 election as Democrats move toward a possible supermajority in the state House. Meanwhile, Seattle Children's CEO warns that Washington's income tax could discourage charitable donations, and voters deliver mixed results on three major ballot initiatives. In this episode of Washington in Focus Daily, The Center Square examines Washington election results, Republican legislative losses, the state's income tax debate, nonprofit funding concerns, and the latest returns for Initiatives 638, 645 and the parental rights measure. WASHINGTON INCOME TAX COULD HURT CHARITABLE DONATIONS Seattle Children's CEO Dr. Christopher Longhurst is raising concerns about Washington's $100,000 cap on the state charitable deduction, warning that it could discourage major donations to hospitals and nonprofit organizations. Washington Policy Center Vice President for Research Todd Myers explains why the deduction limit could affect large philanthropic contributions to organizations such as Seattle Children's and the University of Washington. Myers also raises concerns about Washington's minimum salary requirements for overtime-exempt employees. He says a projected salary threshold of approximately $93,000 in 2028 could put additional financial pressure on nonprofit organizations. He argues that Washington lawmakers should consider changes to the charitable deduction cap and overtime-related salary requirements to protect nonprofits. WASHINGTON GOP FACES MAJOR ELECTION LOSSES Washington Republicans are facing significant legislative setbacks after Tuesday's election, with Democrats potentially gaining a supermajority in the Washington House of Representatives. Washington Republican Party Chair Jim Walsh discusses the election results, the performance of Republican candidates and the future of the state's income tax debate. Republican Representative Brian Burnett also responds to his close race against Democrat Stacy Walen in the 12th Legislative District. Additional Republican incumbents face difficult races in legislative districts across Washington, including the 14th, 17th, 18th, 25th and 35th districts. Republican Representative Travis Couture says the party needs to listen to voters, reassess its message and begin preparing for the 2028 election. WASHINGTON SUPREME COURT ELECTION RESULTS The report also examines the Washington Supreme Court election between Sean O'Donnell and Ian Burke. O'Donnell holds a narrow percentage lead in the preliminary results discussed in this report, as voters await additional ballot counts. The race follows a contentious judicial election season involving campaign contributions, union-backed advertising and questions about the ideological balance of Washington's highest court. WASHINGTON INITIATIVE 645: INCOME TAX REPEAL Washington Initiative 645, which sought to repeal the state's income tax, is trailing in election returns. Let's Go Washington founder Brian Heywood reacts to the initiative results and discusses his organization's campaign against Washington's income tax. Walsh also criticizes spending by opponents of the repeal effort and says Republicans intend to continue challenging the tax. WASHINGTON INITIATIVE 638: GIRLS' SPORTS Washington Initiative 638, which would establish eligibility requirements for girls' school sports based on biological sex, is leading in preliminary election results. At the time of this report, the measure is receiving approximately 56.7% support. At a Let's Go Washington election gathering in Redmond, student athlete Frances Stout delivers an emotional response to the initiative's apparent success. Heywood also addresses supporters and discusses the campaign's efforts on girls' sports, parental rights and tax policy. WASHINGTON PARENTAL RIGHTS INITIATIVE Washington's parental rights ballot measure is also trailing in preliminary election results. The initiative concerns parents' access to school records and information about their children. Together, the three ballot measures show Washington voters taking different positions on taxes, education and school sports policy. All election results and vote percentages reflect the preliminary returns discussed in the report, not final certified results. WASHINGTON IN FOCUS DAILY Subscribe to The Center Square for independent reporting on Washington state government, election results, taxes, education, public policy and government accountability. GET WASHINGTON NEWS BY TEXT Keeping up with Washington state news shouldn't feel like a second job. The Center Square sends important Washington state government and policy updates by text approximately twice a week. Text TCSWA to 206-944-3016 for a quick breakdown of what happened, why it matters and what it could mean for you. #WashingtonElection #WashingtonGOP #WashingtonIncomeTax #Initiative638 #WashingtonPolitics