ELECTION: Adam Smith handily beats Doug Basler for 9th Congressional District

Incumbent U.S. Representative Adam Smith (D) has handily defeated challenger Doug Basler (R) for the opportunity to represent Washington state in the 9th Congressional District of the U.S. House of Representatives.

In initial election results released 8:42 p.m. Tuesday night, Smith had a nearly 3-to-1 ratio of votes over Basler, with 74.87 percent of votes.

In the August top two primary, Basler emerged again as challenger to Smith after an unsuccessful bid in 2014. Basler beat out two Democratic challengers and an independent to return to the race.

Tuesday night's results are just initial results of ballots already counted and ballots will continue to be counted through the end of the month.