Former aide to U.S. Rep. Denny Heck announces run to succeed his former boss

Phil Gardner, who served for three years as district director for U.S. Rep. Denny Heck, announced Wednesday that he wants to succeed his former boss, saying he is a “natural fit to continue his progressive work in Congress.”

“I’m thankful that for nearly a decade, Congressman Heck has been a friend, mentor, and trusted me as a top staffer to serve the people of the South Sound. He’s been very encouraging as I’ve put together this campaign, and I hope to earn the support of the people that I’ve worked so hard to serve these last few years,” Gardner said in a written statement.

If elected, Gardner, 28, said he would be humbled to make history as Washington state’s first openly LGBTQ member of Congress.

The 10th Congressional District covers nearly all of Thurston County, most of Pierce County and a portion of Mason County.

Gardner enters the race for the 10th Congressional District that is attracting a crowded field. Candidates include two prominent Democrats — former Tacoma Mayor Marilyn Strickland and ex-state Rep. Kristine Reeves of King County — as well as Republican Nancy Dailey Slotnick and Democrat Joshua Collins.

Both Strickland and Reeves live outside the district. Gardner, who is making his first run for public office, lives in east Tacoma.

State Rep. Beth Doglio, an Olympia Democrat, said last week she will make a decision on whether she will run in the 10th Congressional District after the 60-day legislative session ends in March.

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.

An aide said Heck was not available for comment Wednesday.

In an interview, Gardner said he’s running because the federal government has reached a crossroads.

“We have to decide who our government is fighting for and what it’s going to use its power to do,” Gardner said. “I don’t think it’s working for most people and it’s definitely not working for young people. It’s time for young people to step up and lead. As Congressman Heck’s district director for years, I’ve helped lead his team here in the South Sound as we’ve delivered progressive results.”

Caleb Heimlich, chairman of the state Republican Party, could not be reached for comment.

This story was originally published January 15, 2020 at 8:49 AM with the headline "Former aide to U.S. Rep. Denny Heck announces run to succeed his former boss."