Muzzall, St. Clair in a contentious, expensive race for state Senate

The race for Washington's 10th Legislative District is heating up as Republican incumbent Ron Muzzall leads in fundraising, having raised $540,000 compared to his Democratic challengers Janet St. Clair and Denny Sandberg, who have raised $193,000 and nothing, respectively. Muzzall, appointed to the Senate in 2019, emphasizes the need to tackle rising costs of living, public safety, and educational funding, particularly how these issues affect lower-income residents. He argues that recent legislation has increased food production costs, burdening those with limited income. In contrast, St.

Clair, an Island County commissioner, focuses on healthcare access and reproductive rights, advocating for a constitutional amendment to protect women's healthcare choices. She also calls for streamlining food production processes to support local farmers. Both candidates recognize the importance of education, with St. Clair pushing for a reevaluation of school funding to ensure equitable resources in rural areas. As ballots are due soon, the race reflects broader political themes in Washington, making it a significant contest for local voters.