TACOMA, Wash. — Jefferson County Commissioner Kate Dean announced Tuesday she is running for the state's 6th Congressional District, becoming the third Democrat running to fill Rep. Derek Kilmer's seat.
Kilmer announced last month he was not seeking reelection. State Sen. Emily Randall, D-Bremerton, the Senate Deputy Majority Leader, launched her campaign for District 6 last month. Public Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz also launched her campaign last month, dropping out of the race for governor.
"This district is home to incredible natural resources and vibrant, diverse communities. But it also suffers from lack of investment, unequal opportunity, and impacts from the I-5 corridor that make our community less affordable and less livable every day," Dean said in a statement on her campaign website. "I have been living and working in the district for 25 years, owning small businesses, building infrastructure, protecting our precious environment, creating jobs and supporting healthy families. I want to keep doing this work - with you and for you - in Congress."
According to her campaign website, Dean's priorities include investing in communities, sustaining natural resources, innovating in rural communities and protecting reproductive freedom.
Dean is in her second term as a Jefferson County commissioner serving since 2016. She was also appointed to serve on the Washington State Board of Health and Puget Sound Partnership Leadership Council by Gov. Jay Inslee.
Dean's endorsements include Port Angeles Mayor Kate Dexter and Port Townsend Mayor David Faber.
Kilmer endorsed Randall's campaign for a second state Senate term, but he has endorsed Franz to fill his seat. Randall's most notable endorsement comes from Secretary of State Steve Hobbs.
The 6th Congressional District includes most of Tacoma, the Kitsap Pennisula and the Olympic Pennisula.