WA 9th Congressional District candidates outline their priorities

There is a familiar battle brewing in the 9th Congressional District. Incumbent Democrat Adam Smith has represented the district for nearly three decades. His Republican challenger, Doug Bassler, is taking him on for the sixth time. Fox 13's A.J. Janneville sat down with both candidates to find out why they say they deserve your vote. I have an absolute strong connection to this community. I've lived here my whole life. I've lived in Sea-Tac, Federal Way area, Kent, now Bellevue. I know the district from one end to the other, and it's my life. Incumbent Adam Smith says he is focused on several areas, including the cost of living, specifically housing and education costs, the need to address crime and homelessness, and the business environment in the state, as well as the high price of taxes. Candidate Doug Bassler says if you're not happy with the current atmosphere in Washington, he'll bring change. Is your life getting better? Is your neighborhood getting safer? Is your economic situation improving? Or is it going in the other direction? In a lot of ways, particularly Washington State is on the wrong track. I think we're going in the wrong direction a lot of economically. Like Smith, Bassler is also putting a focus on the economy. He believes the cost of living is too high in Washington and wants to address housing costs, taxes, and grocery prices. Bassler also is putting a focus on public safety and enforcing laws, while also remaining compassionate. Both candidates spoke on their plans for working with the current presidential administration. You wanna ask me what the number one biggest issue is, stopping Donald Trump. I'll be fierce in Washington DC. If President Trump is right, I'll support him. If he's wrong, I'll fight him. Reporting in Seattle, AJ Janneville, Fox 13 News.