Sen. Becker won’t seek re-election, but 2 Republicans say they’ll run for her seat

Two Republican candidates have announced they’ll run to replace state Sen. Randi Becker, who announced Thursday that she won’t seek re-election this year.

Graham Fire Commissioner Gina Blanchard-Reed and Orting Mayor Josh Penner will face each other in the 2nd Legislative District race.

Blanchard-Reed noted that Becker, a Republican, sponsored a resolution honoring a century of women with the right to vote.

“Women belong ‘in the room where it happens’ — making laws and electing lawmakers,” Blanchard-Reed said in a statement.

Orting Mayor Josh Penner also cited Becker’s work in his campaign announcement.

“Thank you for the great job you’ve done for our community and as a leader for health care, Senator Becker,” Penner said in a statement. “Our community has been blessed to have such a great voice for us in Olympia.”

Becker announced on the Senate floor that she won’t seek re-election in November after serving for three terms.

“I am grateful my constituents trusted me to represent their voice and fight for their individual rights for over a decade,” she said. “This has been the most challenging job that I’ve ever had, and the most humbling.”

The 2nd Legislative District includes parts of Pierce and Thurston counties, including Eatonville, Graham, Orting, Rainier, Roy, and Yelm.