Candidate Filing Week Begins

The election season is officially open with the start of filing week in Washington.

Candidates headed to the secretary of state's office Monday in Olympia.

Races this year include the U.S. Senate seat held by three-term incumbent Democrat Patty Murray. All the state's congressional seats are up, including an open seat in the 3rd Congressional District in southwest Washington where Brian Baird is not seeking re-election.

All 98 state House positions are up for re-election, as are 25 state Senate seats.

Three state Supreme Court seats are also up, as well as numerous court of appeals and superior court positions.

The deadline for candidates to file is June 11. Washington's primary election is Aug. 17.

AP