Dent leads Garcia in 13th District race

MOSES LAKE — Incumbent Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, maintained a commanding lead in the race for Position 1 in Washington's 13th Legislative District as additional ballots continued to be counted following the Nov. 3 general election. 

As of Nov. 4, Dent received 23,206 votes, or 66.47%, while Democratic challenger Juan “Jerry” Garcia earned 11,714 votes, or 33.41%. According to the Washington Secretary of State's Office, approximately 15,166 ballots remained to be counted in the four counties that make up the district. Election results will not be certified until Nov. 24. 

Although ballots remain outstanding, Dent said he was grateful for the support voters have shown him and humbled by the unofficial results. 

“I'm honored and humbled that my constituents have this much trust in me and respect to send me back for another term,” Dent said. “They don't have to, and they have choices. But thank you.” 

If the lead holds through certification, Dent would be headed toward a seventh term in the state House of Representatives. 

Throughout the campaign, Dent said voters were focused on a variety of issues, many of which depended on where they lived within the sprawling district that encompasses much of Central Washington. 

“I think what resonated, obviously, there are issues that are important to different people,” Dent said. “Water is important to some, power is important to others. All these things are issues that are important.” 

Regardless of the issue, Dent said voters ultimately want elected officials who are willing to listen and work on their behalf. 

“I've always said this: People don't necessarily care what you know,” Dent said. “They really just want to know that you care, that you're working hard to solve issues that matter to us.” 

Looking ahead to the next legislative session, Dent said transportation remains among his highest priorities, particularly efforts related to aviation infrastructure and aerospace development. 

“Transportation is very, very important,” Dent said. “I'm working real hard on some aviation stuff right now to improve our aviation infrastructure.” 

Dent said aerospace remains one of Washington state's most important industries and noted that maintaining the state's competitiveness benefits communities across the region. 

“It's important that we keep that,” he said. “We need to support that industry.” 

He also talked about continued investments in emergency medical aviation services and his work to expand helicopter landing infrastructure throughout the state. 

Beyond transportation, Dent said supporting children and families remains one of the issues closest to his heart. 

“I serve on the Early Learning Human Services Committee,” Dent said. “It's important that our kids are given a chance.” 

He specifically talked about foster children and other vulnerable youth who may face significant challenges through no fault of their own. 

“We need to give them help and a hand up so they can hopefully achieve and have the same opportunities that we've had,” he said. 

Dent also cited legislation he sponsored to simplify fuel tax exemptions for farmers and ranchers affected by costs associated with the state's Climate Commitment Act. Rather than paying additional costs upfront and applying for a rebate later, qualifying agricultural producers can now purchase fuel without paying the surcharge and waiting for reimbursement. 

“It was a heavy lift,” Dent said. “But I was able to get it through, and I am going to work on improving that a little bit in the coming year.” 

Asked whether he was surprised by the size of his lead, Dent said the margin was largely consistent with previous election cycles. 

“I wasn't surprised,” he said. “I'm pleased. Obviously, I'm happy.” 

While Dent holds a substantial lead, Garcia said he entered the race understanding the challenge of running as a Democrat in a district that has historically favored Republican candidates. 

“I'm not really surprised,” Garcia said of the preliminary results. “But also, kind of sad.” 

Despite the current margin, Garcia said he viewed the campaign as a valuable opportunity to connect with voters and bring attention to issues that matter to residents throughout the district. 

“It's one of those, you shoot for the moon,” Garcia said. “And if you miss, you'll land among the stars.” 

Garcia said several factors influenced the race, including media consumption habits and the growing role of social media in political discussions. He also said the campaign highlighted a growing divide among younger voters, many of whom are questioning traditional political institutions and party leadership. 

“Politics is at a point where young people are either going toward democratic socialism or they're going straight to conservatism,” Garcia said. “They are questioning the Democrats, which they should.” 

During the campaign, Garcia said he heard a wide range of concerns from residents across the district. He said water access and water management were among the most frequently discussed topics, particularly in agricultural communities. Voters also raised concerns about housing affordability, healthcare costs, inflation, public education and the financial strain faced by families living on fixed incomes. 

“People feel like the system is useless, that it's rigged,” Garcia said. 

Garcia recalled conversations with residents struggling to pay bills and maintain their standard of living despite years of work. 

“Healthcare,” he said. “I can just keep rambling on that. We need to fix something. Whether that’s our state or nationwide, we need to work on healthcare.” 

The campaign also introduced Garcia to concerns he had not expected to hear, ranging from emergency preparedness and labor regulations to artificial intelligence in schools and transportation access for veterans. 

If the results remain unchanged through certification, Garcia said he plans to remain civically engaged and continue advocating for issues he cares about. 

“I do intend to be very in tune with politics,” Garcia said. “There's always behind the scenes. You can explain things to people.” 

He said he intends to become more involved with community organizations and advocacy efforts that encourage residents to participate in the political process. 

Looking back on the campaign, Garcia said he would focus more heavily on digital outreach if given another opportunity to run for office. 

“I definitely would do more social media postings,” he said. “I would love to do more town halls.” 

He said voter engagement through online platforms surprised him throughout the race, particularly as younger residents increasingly receive information through social media rather than traditional campaign methods. 

Garcia reserved some of his strongest comments for the volunteers and supporters who helped power his campaign. 

“I'm grateful for all the help I received,” he said. 

He said many of those supporters worked tirelessly because they believed their voices deserved to be heard in the political process. 

“I see them, and I see their efforts,” Garcia said. 

Dent likewise emphasized that serving constituents remains his primary responsibility regardless of political affiliation. 

“I represent everybody,” Dent said. “You want a meeting with me? I don't care which party you belong to.” 

Dent said voters with concerns or legislative priorities should continue reaching out to him and his office. 

“I'm here to represent everybody,” he said. “That's my job. I take it seriously.” 

With certification still weeks away, both candidates said they remain focused on the people they met on the campaign trail and the issues residents shared with them throughout the election season. 

Additional ballot counts are expected in the coming days before county canvassing boards certify the general election results Nov. 24.