Though there are no City of Renton races on the ballot this time around, Tuesday’s primary election includes nearly all of the state officials who represent Renton in Olympia, as well as a congressional primary.

The biggest race this time around is the battle for the state senate seat from the 37th district, which includes a portion of northwestern Renton. With the retirement of Adam Kline, the race to replace him is a crowded one with six candidates vying for the two available spots in November’s general election.

Five Democrats and a Republican have entered the fray for Kline’s seat. Hoping to replace him are Claude Burfect, John Stafford, Pramila Jayapal, Sheley Secrest and Louis Watanabe, all from Seattle and all preferring the Democratic Party, and Rowland Martin, from Renton, who prefers the Republican party.

There is also a primary in the race for the 37th District’s Position 1 representative, where incumbent Sharon Tomiko Santos who prefers the Democratic Party, is being challenged by John Dickinson, who also prefers the Democrats, and Daniel Bretzke, who prefers the Republicans.

Only two candidates  – Representative Eric Pettigrew, who prefers the Democratic Party, and challenger Tamra Smilanich, who prefers to remain non-partisan – are running for the district’s Representative position 2 so both will move on to November.

In the 11th district, which includes the vast majority of Renton voters, there is no race this year for senator. As for the House, Rep. Zack Hudgins is running unopposed while Rep. Steve Bergquist, who prefers the Democrats, is being challenged by Sarah Sanoy-Wright, who prefer the Republicans. All three will move forward to the general election.

Renton also includes parts of the 41st District, which stretches primarily to the north of the city, but includes the Kennydale neighborhood, and a small part of the 33rd, which stretches to the south and west of Renton.

There are no primary races in the 41st, where Incumbent Democrat Tana Senn is being challenged by Bill Stinson, who prefers the Republicans, for her Position 1 seat while incumbent Democrat Judy Clibborn is being challenged by Alex O’Neil, who gives no party preference.

In the 33rd, Sen. Marilyn Keiser, who prefers the Democrats, is being challenged by Marilyn J. Taylor, who also prefers the Democrats, and Martin Metz, who prefers the Republican party.

There is also a primary for the Position 2 representative with Incumbent Mia Su-ling Gregorson, who prefers the Democratic party, is being challenged by Jeanette Burrage, who prefers the Republicans, and Les Thomas, who prefers the Independent Party.

In the race for Position 1, Incumbent Tina Orwell, who prefers Democrat, is being challenged by Michael J. Sefkes, who prefers Republican. Both will move on.

Congressman Adam Smith, a Democrat who represents Renton in Congress as part of Washington’s Ninth District, is being challenged this time around by fellow Democrat Don Rivers, Republican Doug Baker and by Mark Greene, who prefers the Citizens Party. The top two vote-getters will advance to the general election in November.

In order to be counted, ballots must be postmarked by Aug. 5 or dropped off at the elections office or one of the 24-hour drop boxes avail throughout the county.

For more information on returning your ballot, visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/elections/voting/ballotreturn.aspx

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