The increase in senators looking toward statehouses underscores how sharply the balance of political ambition has shifted away from Washington. Although the Senate was once seen as the capstone of a long political career or a premier perch for launching presidential bids, it has become increasingly stagnant and dysfunctional.

Senate Democrats are threatening to block legislation that would fund the Department of Homeland Security and several other agencies Thursday, potentially bringing the government a step closer to a partial shutdown if Republicans and the White House do not agree to new restrictions on President Donald Trump's surge of immigration enforcement.

Senate Democrats released their list of demands to reform immigration enforcement and fund the government Wednesday, with little time to avert a partial government shutdown.

Washington could soon become the second state to adopt a stricter standard for driving after consuming alcohol.

Will the government shut down this week? Here's the latest on the Senate vote to fund spending bills to keep it open. Will they vote today?

A renewed power struggle is playing out among Democrats, following a string of off-year overperformances in 2025 after bruising losses in 2024. The battle for the soul of the party is most acute in a series of contentious Senate primaries that will soon determine whether the establishment’s more centrist candidates will square off against Republicans

Senate Democrats came out against a funding package in the wake of the deadly shooting of a Minneapolis man by federal agents, with just days until the deadline to fund the government.

State Sen. John Lovick, D-Mill Creek, looks on toward the end of the roll call vote for his Senate Bill 5067, which would lower the blood alcohol limit for drunk driving to 0.05% from 0.08% in Washington. The bill passed the Senate on a 26-23 vote on Jan. 28, 2026. (Photo by Bill Lucia/Washington State Standard)