Democrats compete for endorsements in race for Washington's 6th district

The race for Washington's 6th Congressional District is not just a competition to represent the region in Congress, it's a competition for local endorsements as Democrats garner the backing from different corners of their party.

U.S. Sen. Patty Murray announced Monday that she is throwing her support behind Washington state Sen. Emily Randall, who is running for Congress. Murray's is one of the biggest names to come out in support of Randall.

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"I'm with Emily for Congress because I know she will be a strong voice for working people – the friends and neighbors she grew up with – in a district that is her home," Murray said in a statement. "Emily will be a strong voice for women's rights and health care at a crucial moment, and she's someone with a proven track record of being able to deliver on common sense legislative solutions that will make life better for the people she represents. Emily is someone who really cares and wants to hear about the problems and challenges facing her neighbors; importantly, she will roll up her sleeves and work to make a real change – let's send Emily to Congress."

State Sen. Randall currently represents Washington's 26th Legislative District, which covers part of Bremerton, Port Orchard, Gig Harbor, and rural areas at the south end of the Kitsap Peninsula. Of the three state representatives for the district, she is the only Democrat. She is also deputy majority leader.

Washington's 6th Congressional District has been represented by Democrats since the 1930s (aside from 1947-65 when it was represented by Republican Thor Tollefson). It covers much of the Olympic Peninsula, as well as parts of Tacoma. It's currently represented by Congressmember Derek Kilmer, who previously announced he would not seek re-election this year. It didn't take long for other local lawmakers to jump into the race to replace Kilmer, such as state Public Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz, who was running for governor but switched to running for the 6th District.

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Democratic support has been split.

While Sen. Murray is the most recent high-profile figure to announce their support for Randall, Randall's campaign is also boasting Democratic support from U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez from Washington, as well as a handful of other Congress members from other states. She also has the backing of Secretary of State Steve Hobbs and state Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig (who is stepping down at the end of 2024).

Franz has been endorsed by Rep. Kilmer, the district's current representative, as well as Norm Dicks, the Democrat who held the seat before Kilmer (1977-2013).

While Randall is endorsed by former Tacoma Mayor Marilyn Strickland (who is also currently a member of Congress), Franz has the support of current Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards.

Randall is endorsed by Planned Parenthood Action Fund, Congressional Hispanic Caucus BOLD PAC, the Latino Victory Fund, and the Jamestown S'kallam Tribe. Franz has support from the National Organization for Women PAC, Democrats Serve, Tomorrow's Jobs, and eight local tribes.

Randall is endorsed by Sheet Metal Workers Local 66 and two firefighter unions. Franz is endorsed by eight firefighter unions, as well as unions for electrical workers, iron and steel workers, longshore and warehouse workers, and machinists. Both Franz and Randall boast long lists of local elected officials who are behind them.

On the Republican side, state Sen. Drew MacEwen is running for the seat, as well as Elizabeth Kreiselmaier, who ran against Kilmer in the 2022 election (and received 40% of the vote).