South and Central Kitsap voters have a chance to weigh in on the tightest legislative race in the state for the Nov. 4 general election — but no matter which candidate they choose, change is on the horizon.

Republican Michelle Caldier and Democrat Deborah (Deb) Krishnadasan are both running for State Senate in the 26th Legislative District, representing Bremerton, Port Orchard, Gig Harbor, Southworth, Purdy, and small towns in South Kitsap.

Both have experience leading the district — Krishnadasan was appointed to the role in December of 2024, and Caldier has represented the district in the state House since 2015 — and both have demonstrated bipartisanship while in office, as well as fiscal conservatism. The winner will serve through 2026, when the position will be up for a full four-year term.

Krishnadasan, a former boardmember of the Peninsula School District in Gig Harbor, sponsored bills supporting emergency care for pregnant people and childcare center occupancy limitations, both of which received Republican support. She also pitched in for other Democrat-sponsored bills that passed in the 2025 legislative session, including a cap on rent increases, additional permits for gun ownership and benefits for striking workers.

In past elections, Caldier has won votes from Democrats and Independents who view her as a moderate Republican. Her own party has called her a “Democrat in disguise” for her support for policies that support public health initiatives and special education in public schools, she said. She stood against Democratic-led changes to the “Parents’ Bill of Rights.”

Both candidates voted against the state sales tax hike passed to balance the state budget in 2025, the transportation revenue package that included the 6-cent statewide increase on gasoline tax.

Bipartisanship is crucial for a district like theirs.

The 26th, which spans urban Kitsap County and rural Pierce County, is a swing district to its core, among fewer than six true swing districts in Washington. It’s been consistently represented by both Republicans and Democrats at the state level, and voter priorities span the two-party platforms.

Returns from the Aug. 4 primary saw a tight split between Caldier and Krishnadasan, with Krishnadasan leading on a slight margin of just over 1,000 votes — including a difference of only 17 votes in Pierce County.

Both candidates were asked two questions to respond to.

What would be your top priorities if elected?

Krishnadasan: When I led the campaign to rebuild our schools, delivering six new schools after decades of failed attempts, I learned that with a common-sense approach and teamwork, we can get big things done. It wasn’t career politicians doing the work—it was us.

That same attitude guides me as your State Senator. Every bill I passed was bipartisan—working with Democrats and Republicans to make life better, from improving ferry safety and expanding affordable childcare to protecting pregnant women in emergency care. I proposed the first sales tax cut in over 40 years because families deserve relief now, and I voted against raising the gas tax and adding unnecessary burdens on small businesses. Our system is broken, and we need leaders who listen, lead with integrity, and deliver results.

My top priorities are clear. First, strong public schools. Investing in students, educators, and facilities, while expanding universal pre-K, childcare, apprenticeships, and career training so every child has a pathway to success. Second, tackling the cost of living by lowering housing costs, holding corporations accountable for price hikes, and ensuring families can afford groceries, childcare, and healthcare. And third, safe, reliable infrastructure to secure transportation investments our region needs to grow sustainably.

With federal Republican budgets slashing food, healthcare, and school funding, we must protect Washington families. I’ll keep working to expand healthcare access, cap prescription drug prices, protect reproductive care, and strengthen rural and tribal healthcare. My commitment is simple: to put families first and deliver results that help every Washingtonian thrive.

Caldier: My top priority will be to begin unraveling the damage that the current Legislature has inflicted on Washington families. Right now, gas is topping $5 a gallon in most parts of our state, and we are among the most expensive places in the nation for food, housing, and childcare. At the same time, we face some of the highest crime and drug rates.

What the Democrat-controlled Legislature has been doing is clearly not working. We need balance in Olympia to restore common sense, make life more affordable, improve public safety, and ensure our kids get the quality education they deserve. That will be my focus if elected.

Why should voters choose you over your opponent?

Krishnadasan: I’m running to solve problems, not score political points. Throughout my public service, I’ve put our community first, listening to people with different perspectives and delivering results that matter.

I’ve built a record of finding common ground. I voted against unfair Democratic tax increases and harmful Republican budget cuts because families shouldn’t have to shoulder the burden of irresponsible budgeting. Instead, I fought for the first sales tax cut in 40 years—a real step toward lowering costs for working families. That’s the kind of practical, bipartisan leadership we need more of in Olympia.

My vision is rooted in three priorities: improving education, lowering costs, and expanding affordable housing. As a former school board president and parent, I know every child deserves access to a great education, whether they’re headed to college or into a skilled trade. I’ve championed investments that keep classrooms staffed and students supported. My opponent talks about schools, but too often sides with special interests that put profits ahead of kids.

On affordability, I’ve worked across the aisle to ease costs for families on groceries, childcare, housing, and healthcare. My opponent has opposed those efforts, siding instead with wealthy donors and large corporations. On housing, I’ve advanced solutions to help first-time buyers, expand affordable options, and provide property tax relief.

The real difference is leadership. My opponent chooses division and finger-pointing. I choose listening, accountability, and solutions that make life better for families in the 26th District.

Caldier: Voters should choose me because I am running for one reason only: to end the Democrat supermajority in Olympia and bring balance back to our state. Last November, Democrats secured three-fifths supermajorities in both chambers, giving them the power to pass all three budgets without a single Republican voice. That opened the door to the largest tax hike in Washington’s history — over $12 billion, costing the average family more than $3,500.

I have a proven record of working across the aisle and putting people before party or politics. The contrast between my opponent and me could not be clearer. I stood up for seniors, working families, and the vulnerable — even writing a letter to President Trump asking him to reconsider Medicaid cuts and federal layoffs. Meanwhile, my opponent signed a letter urging the governor to pardon a convicted murderer deported by ICE so he could return and seek legal residency. Fortunately, the governor rejected that request.

This election is about priorities — and my priority will always be the people of this district, not partisan agendas.