Democrat Adrian Cortes seemed poised to flip the 18th Legislative District Senate seat vacated by Republican Sen. Ann Rivers, as of Tuesday night’s early returns.
He had 50.82 percent (31,735 votes) to Republican Brad Benton’s 49 percent (30,599 votes).
“I’m looking forward to the next batch of results, and hopefully we’ll be able to expand on that lead,” Cortes said.
The 18th District was redrawn in 2022, so its voters are not the same as those who elected Rivers in 2020. It formerly encompassed Ridgefield, Yacolt and Washougal but now includes Battle Ground, Vancouver and unincorporated areas of Felida, Salmon Creek and Brush Prairie.
Cortes is a Camas High School special education teacher, Battle Ground City Council member and former Battle Ground mayor. Benton is a son of former state Sen. Don Benton, who later became a Donald Trump appointee. He began his career as an auditor for Moss Adams, a public accounting firm, and now works in sales.