2024 State Campaign Season Begins

Expect a very active 2024 campaign season as, for the first time in 12 years, voters get to decide on an open Governor’s race as well as vote for new Attorney General, Lands Commissioner, and State Treasurer. In addition, every seat in the Washington State House of Representatives is up for election this fall along with half of the state Senate.  This is, of course, in addition to the choice for President of the United States, a US Senate seat and all nine congressional districts.  

Over a dozen state lawmakers have already declared their intention to seek another political office or have decided to retire.  Among those who have decided to retire include Senate Majority leader Andy Billig (D-Spokane), Sen. Karen Keiser (D-South King County), and Sen. Sam Hunt (D-Olympia).

On the House side, three Republican Representatives have also announced their intention not to seek reelection: Rep. Spencer Hutchins (R-Gig Harbor), Rep. Joel Kretz (R-Wauconda), and former House Minority Leader J.T. Wilcox (R-Pierce County).

In addition, several other state Senators and Representatives are seeking other offices including Sen. Mark Mullett (D-Issaquah) who is running for Governor, Sen. Kevin Van De Wege (D-Lake Southerland) for Lands Commissioner and others running for Attorney General, State Treasurer, Congress or looking to move up to the State Senate.

While many candidates have already declared their intention to either seek reelection, pursue higher office or retire, the official filing period is the week of May 13 – May 17, 2024, which will make clear who is running for what.

RHAWA is closely monitoring what is going on in this election cycle as we know issues like rent control will once again be hotly contested. Identifying, meeting, educating, and endorsing candidates who understand rental housing issues will be the number one priority of our government affairs team and Political Action Committee.