Who's In The Race

Ballots go out Friday, Oct. 16, to voters in Washington's 7th District, the start of an 18-day voting period in the Seattle-area race for Congress. Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), first elected in 2016, is seeking a sixth term against Republican Nirav Sheth, a Marine Corps veteran and small business owner.

Both candidates were born in India. Jayapal took about 84% of the vote in the Aug. 4 top-two primary, while Sheth finished second with about 10%.

What They Stand For

Jayapal is the lead House sponsor of the Medicare for All Act, which would create a single government health plan covering every American. Her campaign also highlights the College for All Act, which would make public colleges free for families earning up to $125,000, and her support for a $15 minimum wage and a shift to a 100% clean energy economy.

On immigration, Jayapal backs the Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act, which would set standards for immigration detention. Her campaign says she supports humane immigration reform and protections for immigrants.

Sheth immigrated from India in 2008, served in the Marines and briefly worked as a Lakewood police officer, according to India Weekly. He says repeated break-ins at his business properties pushed him into politics, and public safety is one of his top issues.

Sheth supports legal immigration, more investment in transportation and a stronger electric grid, and schools that give parents and local communities a bigger say. He ran for the 10th District seat in 2024 but finished third in the primary.

The Money Behind The Race

Jayapal reported raising about $2.5 million and spending about $2.7 million from Jan. 1, 2025, through July 15, according to Federal Election Commission filings. She had about $1.8 million left at that point.

Sheth reported raising about $11,800 from April 1 through July 22, including $5,900 of his own money. He had about $5,000 left. Outside groups have reported spending only $10 in the race through Sept. 21. All of it came from Sierra Club Independent Action in support of Jayapal.

Race Outlook: Ratings And Betting Markets

The Cook Political Report rates the race Solid Democratic as of Sept. 25, and Inside Elections gave it the same rating as of Sept. 17. Sabato's Crystal Ball calls it Safe Democratic as of Sept. 22. On Kalshi, traders favored Democrats at about 98% as of Tuesday, Sept. 29.

Jayapal won about 84% of the vote in 2024 and about 85% in 2022. Statewide, Democrats won eight of Washington's 10 House seats and the U.S. Senate race in both years, and Kamala Harris carried the state with about 57% in 2024.

Voters who aren't registered can sign up online or by mail through Monday, Oct. 26, or in person through Election Day. Ballots must be in a drop box by 8 p.m. or postmarked by Tuesday, Nov. 3.

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