Sen. Maria Cantwell faces 28 primary challengers, including Republican Susan Hutchison

U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell is up against a thicket of opponents on the Aug. 7 primary ballot.

The three-term Democrat drew 28 challengers, the most she’s ever faced. It’s a mostly little-known roster that includes 13 Republicans, four Democrats, five independents, a Libertarian, a Freedom Socialist, and others.

The most familiar name is former state Republican Party chair Susan Hutchison, who argues the sheer number of candidates shows a lack of support for Cantwell.

“We wouldn’t have this crowded ballot