BELLINGHAM, WA – A major name in the race for the next governor has dropped their bid in order to run for Congress.
State Public Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz announced Friday that she’s running for Washington’s 6th Congressional District.
The decision comes a day after Rep. Derek Kilmer announced his retirement from the position after serving since 2013.
Both are Democrats and Kilmer has endorsed Franz’ campaign for the seat that represents most of Tacoma, the Kitsap Peninsula and the Olympic Peninsula.
Franz has served as Public Lands Commissioner since 2016 as the second woman to be elected to the office in state history.
A statement on her website lists affordable housing, protecting reproductive freedom, supporting veterans and the climate crisis as the main issues she looks to address.
Franz announced her bid for the governor’s office in May, but her absence leaves Attorney General Bob Ferguson and state Senator Mark Mullet as the leading Democrats in the race.