Federal Way Democrat announces she’ll seek to replace Denny Heck in Congress
Former state Rep. Kristine Reeves announced Monday she is running to succeed U.S. Rep. Denny Heck in the 10th Congressional District, declaring “it’s time to break the gridlock and end the stranglehold of special interests in Washington, DC — to put people first.”
Reeves, a Federal Way Democrat, served in the state House from 2017 until her resignation last month. She is director of economic development for the Military and Defense Sector in the state Commerce Department. Heck announced late last year that he will not run for re-election, saying the discourse in Washington, D.C., had left him feeling discouraged.
In an interview, Reeves emphasized that she’s a working mother with two young children who during her three years in the Legislature has emphasized investing in education and making “life a little easier for middle-class families.” She also talked about her childhood in rural Moses Lake, where she grew up “in and out of foster care and was even homeless at 16” as her mother struggled with substance abuse.
“...I know what it’s like when the deck is stacked against you. But I also know what can happen when communities come together. I’m proud to have fought for progressive action that’s made Washington a national model on education and paid family leave. But too many Washington families are still struggling while critical progressive policies are falling victim to corporate special interests and gridlock in Washington, DC.,” she said.
She lives in Federal Way and her residence is not in the 10th Congressional District that covers nearly all of Thurston County, most of Pierce County and a portion of Mason County. Her residence is in the 9th District, represented by U.S. Rep. Adam Smith.
Reeves said she plans to move into the 10th District and is working with a Pierce County realtor to find a new home, but it’s unclear when that would happen.
Her entry into the 10th Congressional District race comes nearly three weeks after former Tacoma Mayor Marilyn Strickland announced her candidacy. Strickland, president and CEO of the Seattle Metro Chamber of Commerce, is not a resident of the district either. She lives in downtown Tacoma.
Caleb Heimlich, chairman of the Washington state Republican Party, said he believes the fact that Reeves and Strickland currently can’t vote for themselves for Congress will be an issue with the electorate.
“It calls into question exactly which constituents you are representing when you live in a different area. Federal Way, the 30th Legislative District; the boundaries are drawn every 10 years around communities of interest. How can anyone claim to represent the 10th congressional district when they don’t live there? That’s not their community,” he said.
Reeves noted she worked in Tacoma as South Sound Regional Director for U.S. Sen. Patty Murray.
In 2016, Reeves became the first African-American woman to be elected to the state House in 18 years. When she took office in 2017, Reeves said, she was the only woman in the Legislature with children under the age of 5.
This story was originally published January 6, 2020 at 11:10 AM.
