Joseph O’Sullivan | The Seattle Times

FILE -In this Oct. 9, 2018 file photo, the afternoon sun illuminates the Legislative Building, left, and the Insurance Building, right, at the Capitol in Olympia, Wash. Democrats will pick up seats in the Washington state Legislature after the midterm election, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018, but the exact number remains unclear with a handful of races still too close to call. In the House, party officials were paying close attention to seven races where Democrats were looking to gain seats and were leading in recent returns.

November 17, 2018 at 6:00 am

Recounts likely in a handful of Washington state legislative races

If the results as of Friday afternoon ultimately hold, Democrats would gain a total of three Senate seats and seven House seats.

Exterior shot of Western State Hospital in Lakewood, WA, shot Tuesday, September 18, 2018. 207783

November 16, 2018 at 6:00 am

$800M for a new Western State Hospital? Washington ponders what’s needed to bring psychiatric facility into compliance

The Washington Department of Social and Health Services has requested $800 million from the state to build a new psychiatric facility on Western State Hospital's...

November 15, 2018 at 6:46 pm

Gun-rights advocates file lawsuit to block I-1639

Filed Thursday in U.S. District Court against the state of Washington and Attorney General Bob Ferguson, the lawsuit also includes plaintiffs who are gun dealers...

November 14, 2018 at 6:05 pm

Investigation into rape allegation against Washington state Sen. Joe Fain will go forward

Fain, who represents King County's 47th legislative District, last week conceded to Democratic challenger Mona Das. As of Wednesday evening, election results showed Das leading...

Nickelsville Northlake tiny house village, Monday, Oct. 15, 2018, in Seattle. In the background is the ship canal bridge. 208150

November 13, 2018 at 5:55 pm

Washington state GOP lawmakers propose bills to address housing affordability and homelessness

The proposals by GOP state senators include bills that would streamline land-use laws to spur development, make it easier to build tiny houses and give...

The Washington State Senate convenes for floor debate (SSB 5048 – Making operating appropriations for the 2015-2017 and 2017-2019 fiscal biennia), March 23, 2017. Andy Billig speaking.

November 12, 2018 at 12:56 pm

Washington Senate Dems choose new majority leader

Billig replaces Senate Majority Leader Sharon Nelson of Maury Island in a year where Democrats have extended their control of the chamber after the November...

47thLegistlativeDistrict_mashup

Sen. Joe Fain, left, Mona Das, right. (Courtesy of candidates)

Left: Sen. Joe Fain, R-47 (Washington State Legislature)

Right: Mona Das is a Democratic candidate for District 47 of the Washington State Senate. The primary election is being held on August 7, 2018. The general election will take place on November 6, 2018. (Courtesy of Das campaign)

November 9, 2018 at 7:52 pm

Washington state Sen. Joe Fain concedes to Democratic challenger Mona Das

OLYMPIA – In a tough campaign season for King County Republicans and facing a rape allegation, Washington state Sen. Joe Fain on Friday night conceded...

Semi-automatic rifles are displayedat a gun shop in Lynnwood, Wash. Voters this week approved I-1639, which will toughen background checks for people buying semi-automatic rifles, increase the age limit to 21 for buyers of those guns and require secured firearm storage. (Elaine Thompson / Associated Press)

November 8, 2018 at 2:14 pm

Washington state voters approved new gun regulations in I-1639. Here’s what the law will do.

Washington voters this week approved Initiative 1639, a sweeping package of new gun regulations. It passed with more than 60 percent of the vote. Here's...

Senate Republican floor leader Joe Fain, R-Auburn, holds up a guide to protocol on the Senate floor as he speaks, Friday, Jan. 27, 2017, in Olympia, Wash. Senators were debating whether to vote on the “levy cliff” bill, which would delay a reduction in the amount of money school districts can collect though property taxes. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

November 8, 2018 at 1:27 pm

Investigation into rape allegation against state Sen. Joe Fain to move forward, legislative panel votes

Democratic and Republican lawmakers on the Senate Facilities and Operations Committee voted unanimously to move forward with an outside investigator to review the allegation made...

Sen. Joe Fain, R-Auburn, right, listens to testimony during a Senate hearing at the Capitol Thursday, Jan. 19, 2017, in Olympia, Wash. Fain is reintroducing a bill that would protect student journalists’ free speech in school-sponsored media at public schools and colleges in response to a 1988 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that gave administrators control over what gets published in school media. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

November 7, 2018 at 7:07 pm

Washington Senate panel to discuss investigating 2007 rape allegation against state Sen. Joe Fain

It's unclear whether the Senate will ultimately commission an investigation, but a meeting is scheduled Thursday to discuss the idea. A Seattle woman accused Fain...