Dave Reichert considering challenging Jay Inslee for governor, state GOP says

Dave Reichert, the former King County Sheriff and U.S. Rep. from the 8th District, is considering a run for governor, the state GOP said.

Reichert, who served in Congress from January 2005 to January 2019, would be a Republican challenger to Jay Inslee, a Democrat trying to be the state's first third-term governor since the 1970s.

Reichert was King County Sheriff from January 1997 until his swearing in to Congress. In September 2017, Reichert announced he would not seek reelection in 2018.

"I think we finally came to the conclusion that 14 years would be plenty to serve," he said.

In his time as sheriff, Reichert investigated Green River Killer Gary Ridgway. During his final congressional term in 2017, activists staged protests against Reichert for not holding town halls.

Democrats lined up to challenge him too, and his seat was won by pediatrician and first-time candidate Kim Schrier.

Inslee, who is 68 and took office in 2013, announced earlier this month that he was ending his presidential bid and launching his third gubernatorial campaign. His presidential run was focused on his efforts to fight climate change.

"I believe we're going to have a candidate to fight this battle," he said on Aug. 22 during his announcement on MSNBC. "I'm inspired by the people I've met across the country. I'm not going to carry the ball, but we're going to make sure somebody is."

Inslee announced his gubernatorial run the following morning. Reichert's consideration of the governor role was confirmed Friday by state GOP Chair Caleb Heimlich.

The last three-term governor was Republican Dan Evans, now 93, who served from January 1965 to January 1977.

KIRO 7's coverage on Dave Reichert

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