Farrell believes she won because of field work, message, ties to community

By Evan Smith

Democrat Jessyn Farrell believes she won an open House seat in the 46th Legislative District because of field work, a strong message and strong ties to the community.

Farrell has defeated fellow Democrat Sarajane Siegfriedt for the position that retiring Democratic State Rep. Phyllis Kenny now holds.

Farrell won 63 percent of the votes to 36 percent for Siegfriedt. King County finished counting votes Tuesday before certifying results.

The 46th District includes Lake Forest Park, Kenmore and northeast Seattle.

“I believe we won for three reasons,” she said Monday. “First, we had a very strong field campaign knocking on over 22,000 doors over the course of the election season and leveraging strong neighborhood contacts throughout the district to spread the word about my campaign.  Second, our message of great education opportunities for all kids, environmental protection and a strong economy resonated with voters.  Finally, my long-standing ties to the community, having grown up in the district, combined with strong endorsements from a variety of constituencies, also helped.”

Farrell had outpolled Siegfriedt 30 percent to 22 percent in a six-candidate August primary.

In other 46th District contests, appointed incumbent Democratic State Rep, Gerry Pollet defeated fellow Democrat Sylvester Cann 65 percent to 34 percent, and incumbent Democratic State Sen. David Frockt was unopposed for the last two years of the four-year term he has held since the death last year of the late Scott White.

Pollet had won appointment to replace Frockt in the House last year after Frockt moved to the Senate.

In the 32nd Legislative District, incumbent Democratic State Rep. Ruth Kagi defeated Republican challenger Robert Reedy 73 percent to 27 percent, and incumbent Democratic State Rep. Cindy Ryu defeated Republican challenger Randy Hayden 72 percent to 28 percent.

The 32nd District includes Shoreline, part of northwest Seattle, south Edmonds, Woodway, nearby unincorporated areas of southwest Snohomish County, Lynnwood and part of Mountlake Terrace.