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These candidates flipped 2 PNW Congressional districts

caption: Rep.-elect Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Wash., joins new members of the House of Representatives on the steps of the Capitol for a group photo, in Washington, Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022.
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Rep.-elect Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Wash., joins new members of the House of Representatives on the steps of the Capitol for a group photo, in Washington, Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022.
AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite

The Pacific Northwest is home to two Congressional districts that flipped parties in the midterms — one from red to blue, and another from blue to red. These incoming lawmakers begin their terms on Tuesday, Jan. 3. in D.C.

Both representatives — Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and Republican Lori Chavez-DeRemer — say they want to tackle issues for workers, especially those in timber and farming sectors.

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Gluesenkamp Perez flipped southwest Washington's 3rd Congressional District from red to blue. Chavez-DeRemer flipped Oregon's 5th District from blue to red. The 5th District covers a range of communities from south Portland to Salem, and the coast to Mount Hood.

Both women own small businesses. Gluesenkamp Perez says her goal is ultimately to help the working class.

"Even if you're not a small business owner, you can read the room," Gluesenkamp Perez said. "You can see that a lot of family businesses are getting bought out and consolidated and that it's hard on America. It's not good for our economy. It's not good for our workforce."

The two say they're hoping to land on committees that will let them help with local issues.

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Political watchers say getting those local wins could be key if the women seek a second term in 2024.

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