Politics & Government

Inslee To Run for Governor

He'll make it official in Seattle on Monday, he announced Friday on his Facebook site.

U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee, who has represented the 1st Congressional District for more than a decade, will officially announce his candidacy for governor on Monday, June 27, in Seattle and the Yakima Valley, according to a press release from his campaign.

Inslee also announced the news Friday on his Facebook site.

The Poulsbo Democrat represents the suburban district that includes Kirkland and other suburbs to the north, east, and west of Seattle. Political observers have widely speculated that Inslee would run for governor if Gov. Chris Gregoire opted against a third term. She recently announced she would not run.

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Inslee, who ran in 1996 but lost in the Democratic primary to Gary Locke, who went on to serve two terms, would likely face state Attorney General Rob McKenna, a Republican who declared earlier this month he'd run for governor.

According to the campaign, Inslee will declare his candidacy at 9 a.m. Monday in Seattle.

Find out what's happening in Kirklandwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Here is the most of the announcement he posted on Facebook:

"We have some important news to share on Monday, but as one of my Facebook friends, I wanted to let you know first: On Monday morning, I will formally announce my candidacy to be the next governor of Washington state.

 Over the coming weeks and months, there will be many opportunities for you to join us and help build a strong, grassroots campaign that will reach every corner of the state. I hope you'll take your first step today by making a contribution of whatever you can afford.

While considering this race, I have been humbled by the encouragement I've received from supporters like you from Port Angeles to Pullman. I'm excited to embark on this journey with you as we strive together to build a Washington that works today and into the future.

On Monday, we'll start that process in earnest. I will announce my candidacy in Seattle, then head to Yakima. On Tuesday, I will be in Tacoma, Vancouver, and Spokane. I want to invite you to watch the first event live. We'll be streaming my morning announcement from Seattle starting at 9:00 a.m. Make sure to keep an eye on your inbox Monday morning for more information about how you can tune in.


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