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
- Congressman Reichert says he'll vote to open government (2013)
- Congressman Reichert proposing bill to end sex trafficking of foster children (2014)
- U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert not running for governor (2015)
- Reichert rejects state's claim they moved Green River Killer to Colorado because he was a threat in prison (2015)
- Cantwell, Reichert lead bipartisan effort on LWCF, critical federal funding for parks (2016)
- Republican congressman Reichert: I'm not going to endorse Trump (2016)
- McMorris-Rodgers, Reichert would have supported ethics office limits (2017)
- Congressman Reichert won't hold town halls, cites safety (2017)
- GOP health care bill passes despite Washington state representatives vote ‘no' (2017)
- GOP Rep. Dave Reichert of Washington state retires after 7 terms (2017)
- Rep. Reichert calls for end to congressional investigations (2018
Cox Media Group
