U.S. Rep. Denny Heck officially announces run for lieutenant governor

U.S. Rep. Denny Heck made it official Thursday morning, formally announcing his candidacy for Washington lieutenant governor.

“We are entering an unprecedented era where a civil and fair approach to politics is urgently called for to get things done for Washington families,” Heck said in a written statement. “Especially in times like these, we need civility and decency in our political discourse and bold economic leadership to rebuild economic prosperity to every community.”

Last Friday, Heck filed paperwork with the state Public Disclosure Commission to run for the statewide post.

His formal announcement completed a dramatic change in course. Heck announced in December that he would not seek re-election to Congress this year, saying the discourse in Washington, D.C., left him feeling discouraged.

Heck, a Democrat, has represented the 10th Congressional District that includes parts of Thurston, Pierce, and Mason counties since 2013.

The lieutenant governor’s race became an open seat when incumbent Democrat Cyrus Habib announced last month he would not seek re-election because he will enter the Society of Jesus of the Catholic Church.

Heck said, “This economy is in recession. How fast and how fairly we come out of it will be determined by the bold ideas and decisive actions of our elected officials. We need strong, fair and sustainable growth.”

This story was originally published April 9, 2020 at 9:13 AM.