Democrat, who told JNS it wasn't 'fair' As non-member to call Hamas terror group, leads in tight Washington state primary

Luc Jasmin III, a Democrat serving as eastern Washington outreach representative to Gov. Bob Ferguson, has taken the lead in the primary race for a state House seat in Washington's 3rd Legislative District, position 2, following the latest ballot count on Friday.

Jasmin previously told JNS that it wouldn't be "fair" To call Hamas a terror organization, since he's not a member of it. The comment came after he was asked about statements made by his father, Luc fils Jasmin, who made antisemitic comments during a Washington State Human Rights Commission meeting and has since resigned from the commission.

With 12,481 votes representing 32.7% of the tally, Jasmin leads Republican Natalie Poulson, who has 12,372 votes (32.5%), and Democrat Pam Kohlmeier, who has 11,581 votes (30.4%). Poulson has called Jasmin's comment about Hamas "discrediting."

The candidates are competing to replace retiring state representative Timm Ormsby. Washington's open primary system allows the top two vote-getters to advance to the November general election regardless of party affiliation. Poulson is currently positioned to advance alongside Jasmin.

Poulson is endorsed by Washingtonians for a Brighter Future, a pro-Jewish PAC. Both Gov. Ferguson and former Democratic state governor Jay Inslee have endorsed Jasmin.

Counting continues, with the state expected to certify primary results by Aug. 18.