In a move that sets up one of Washington’s most contentious Democratic primaries, former Seattle City Councilmember Kshama Sawant announced her campaign against 13-term Congressman Adam Smith in Washington’s 9th Congressional District on Tuesday.
The Progressive Insurgency
Sawant, an economist and member of the Socialist Alternative party, gained national attention during her decade on Seattle’s council for policies like the $15 minimum wage, rent control, and the city’s landmark ban on caste discrimination. Her platform targets Smith’s record, accusing him of being too centrist on issues like corporate taxation, healthcare, and military spending.
Smith, the ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, has positioned himself as a pragmatic Democrat. His campaign told The Seattle Times he remains focused on “delivering results,” while Sawant’s bid promises a clash over the district’s leftward shift.
Key differences in their records:
- Military Spending: Smith voted for 2024’s $886B defense bill; Sawant calls for 50% cuts
- Housing: Sawant led Seattle’s push for rent control; Smith backs more incremental HUD reforms
- Healthcare: Both support Medicare for All, but Smith accepts phased approaches
The Personal Becomes Political
The campaign takes on international dimensions after Sawant revealed last month that India’s government denied her visa to visit her ailing mother in Mumbai—a move she attributes to retaliation for her criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The February 2025 rejection came despite Sawant holding an OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card.
District Dynamics
The redrawn 9th District now includes:
- Sawant’s stronghold in South Seattle
- More moderate Bellevue suburbs
- Working-class Tacoma neighborhoods
Recent polling shows Smith with 58% name recognition district-wide, but Sawant leads 42-38 among voters under 35 (*Crosscut/Elway Poll, March 2025*).
What’s Next
The August 2025 primary will test whether Sawant’s activist base can overcome Smith’s institutional advantages, including endorsements from Governor Inslee and most state labor unions.
