Libertarian Michelle Darnell, chair of the King County LP, is running in a special election for Washington state senate, District 48. The winner will determine control of the Washington senate, which is currently split between Democrats and Republicans.

Darnell is running against incumbent Patricia Kuderer, whom Darnell also ran against for state house in 2016.

Shortly after winning her state house seat, Kuderer was appointed to the state senate to fill the vacancy created when incumbent Sen. Cyrus Habib was elected lieutenant governor.

The election on August 1 will determine the top two vote-getters, who, under Washington’s top-two system, will advance to the general election on November 7.

A party to kick off Michelle Darnell’s campaign is planned for Saturday, June 10.

Campaign website: Michelle4Washington.org