Federal Way House election shaping up to be 3-way race

A primary election battle is shaping up in a Federal Way legislative district where two Democrats plan to run against incumbent state Rep. Teri Hickel.

Hickel, R-Federal Way, faces challenges from Sharry Edwards and Kristine Reeves. Should all three candidates stay in the race, a primary election Aug. 2 will decide which two candidates will move on to the general election in November.

Reeves, 35, works as director of economic development for the state Department of Commerce’s military and defense sector. She used to work as a staff member for U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, where she spent time working on veterans’ issues. On her campaign website, the Federal Way resident says she wants to focus on improving education, transportation and veterans’ services.

Edwards, 43, is a licensed practical nurse with Group Health Cooperative. She lives in Federal Way and has worked as a leader for the SEIU 1199 health care workers’ union, according to her campaign website.

Edwards says her focus will be on improving health care and services for the homeless, as well as education.

Hickel, 55, won her seat last year through a special election to decide who would replace Democratic state Rep. Roger Freeman, who was re-elected in 2014 a few days after he died.

In last November’s election, Hickel overtook Carol Gregory, the Democrat who had been appointed to temporarily fill Freeman’s seat.

This story was originally published April 25, 2016 at 4:45 PM with the headline "Federal Way House election shaping up to be 3-way race."