Strickland will be first African American to represent Washington state in Congress

Marilyn Strickland on Wednesday was projected to win the election for Washington’s 10th Congressional District.

The Associated Press called the race at 11 a.m. EST. 

She was favored to win the House seat over Beth Doglio, after they both advanced to the general election.

Strickland will be the first African American to represent Washington at the federal level, and the first Korean American woman ever elected to Congress.

“I am humbled and honored by the trust the people of the South Sound have placed in me to be their voice in the United States Congress.,” Strickland said in a statement. “I want to say how grateful I am to all those who have stood alongside me in this journey. From the bottom of my heart: Thank you.” 

Prior to her congressional run, Strickland was the first African American to serve as mayor of Tacoma, Wash. Most recently, she served as the CEO of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce.

Strickland will be replacing Rep. Denny Heck (D-Wash.), who decided to retire at the end of the year.

Updated at 3:02 p.m.