The party of the rich just taxed the rich in WA. Can that hold?

Key Points:

• An estimated 82% of Washington state's million-dollar-earners subject to the new income tax reside in heavily Democratic legislative districts, with only 14% in Republican districts, highlighting the concentration of wealth in Democratic areas.
• The new tax imposes a 9.9% rate on income exceeding $1 million, affecting about 21,000 filers, with the wealthiest Eastside suburbs expected to pay a significant share, particularly districts like the 48th, 41st, and 45th.
• Democratic lawmakers representing these affluent districts largely supported the tax, with many wealthy constituents expressing acceptance or minimal resistance, partly due to feelings of guilt over federal tax cuts benefiting the rich.
• The situation underscores a broader political realignment where affluent Americans increasingly align with the Democratic Party, despite potential tensions in balancing wealth taxation and party unity around redistributive policies.
• The new tax faces upcoming legal challenges and a probable statewide vote, raising questions about the durability of wealthy voters' support for Democrats as the tax payment deadline approaches.