(The Center Square) – State Sen. Emily Randall, D-Bremerton, is seeking to follow U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer’s path from the Washington State Legislature to Washington D.C.
Kilmer announced he will not seek re-election in 2024, leaving the 6th Congressional District seat open. The 6th Congressional District includes most of the city of Tacoma plus the Kitsap and Olympic peninsulas.
Randall currently serves as Deputy Majority Leader and chairs the Senate Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee. She emphasizes healthcare advocacy motivated by experience within her own family as a key issue.
A lifelong resident of the Kitsap Peninsula, Randall was first elected to the Washington Senate in 2018, representing the 26th Legislative District. Her current term expires in 2026.
Randall grew up in Port Orchard and was the first in her family to attend university, graduating from Wellesley College. She survived her first campaign for public office in 2018 with 50.07% of the votes cast. In 2022 she increased her margin with 50.79%. The 26th district has a split delegation in the Legislature with Republicans holding both House seats.
Randall has been endorsed by Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs. Her list of early endorsements also includes current and former elected officials from around the district as well as a long list of colleagues in the Legislature.
Fellow Democrat Hilary Franz, currently serving as Washington Commissioner of Public Lands, has also declared her intention to seek the seat. Republican Drew MacEwen has reportedly formed an exploratory committee to consider a run.
