As Election Day draws near, two competitive and expensive races are taking place in a quiet stretch of Southwest Washington.

The 17th Legislative District spans three counties bordering the Columbia River, from portions of Clark and Klickitat counties, along with all of Skamania County. As Republican incumbents try to fend off Democratic challengers, the district faces an intense tug-of-war.

Losing either state House seat up for grabs, which have long been controlled by Republicans, could chip away at the party’s numbers in the Legislature. For Democrats, picking up two additional seats would push the party closer to achieving a supermajority in the state.

While the district has not historically been as competitive during elections as others in the state, big money is pouring into the race this year in the form of campaign funds and outside spending by political groups.…