Tewolde Emerges as Strong Challenger in Seattle’s 37th District Primary
In Seattle's 37th District, progressive challenger Kelabe Tewolde performed strongly in the primary election, exceeding expectations and securing over 50 percent of the vote against incumbent Rep. Sharon Tomiko Santos for a State House seat, positioning him as a serious…
Seattle Tacoma, WA, September 17, 2026 —
SEATTLE, WA – Progressive challenger Kelabe Tewolde has positioned himself as a significant contender for a State House seat in Seattle’s 37th District following a robust performance in the recent primary election. Tewolde secured over 50 percent of the vote, exceeding expectations and surpassing incumbent Rep. Sharon Tomiko Santos.
The results from the primary indicate a strong showing for Tewolde, who was challenging for the legislative position. His ability to garner more than half of the votes cast signifies substantial support within the district and sets the stage for a competitive general election against Santos.
Details regarding the exact percentage points or the specific margin of victory were not provided in the primary election results summary. Similarly, the total number of votes cast for each candidate, or the overall turnout for the district’s primary election, were not specified.
Rep. Sharon Tomiko Santos, the incumbent, faced a challenge from Tewolde, a progressive candidate. The primary election outcome, with Tewolde exceeding expectations and achieving a majority, elevates his campaign and marks him as a serious challenger as the race moves toward the general election.
The 37th District encompasses areas within Seattle. The performance in the primary is often seen as an indicator of voter sentiment and potential outcomes for the subsequent general election.
Further information on the specific campaign strategies employed by either candidate, or any demographic breakdowns of the votes cast, were not available from the provided summary. The focus now shifts to the general election contest between Tewolde and Santos.
Story summarized from the original created by Harry Cheadle on www.thestranger.com, see more information here.
