Kagi running without endorsement of local Democratic organizations

By Evan Smith

Nine-term incumbent Democratic 32nd Legislative District State Rep. Ruth Kagi is running for re-election on the Tuesday ballot without the endorsement of the district or county Democratic organizations.

Kagi is running for a 10th two-year term representing the 32nd District, including the city of Shoreline, part of northwest Seattle, Woodway and nearby unincorporated areas of southwest Snohomish County, south Edmonds, the city of Lynnwood and a small part of Mountlake Terrace.

The 32nd district Democrats' web site and the King and Snohomish county Democratic web sites show endorsements for various ballot measures and non-partisan offices, along with Democratic candidates for federal and state offices but not for Kagi.

Kagi defeated an intraparty primary challenger by a greater than 6-1 margin in August. District Democrats had made no endorsement before the primary because neither Kagi nor challenger Wesley Irwin was able to get support from the necessary 60 percent of district precinct committee officers and dues-paying members at a pre-primary endorsement meeting. Apparently, Kagi didn’t get the 60 percent at district meetings after the primary. Fellow incumbent Democratic 32nd District State Rep. Cindy Ryu did get the needed 60 percent and is listed as an endorsed candidate on district Democrats’ web site. King County and Snohomish County Democrats ratified the district Democrats’ decision on legislative races.

Kagi and 32nd District Democratic Chairwoman Carin Chase both declined to comment on the matter. Neither King County Democratic Chairman Rich Erwin nor his Snohomish County counterpart has responded to email inquiries sent Thursday.

Kagi is running on the general-election ballot against Republican David Schirle. In the primary, Kagi outpolled Schirle by a nearly 3-1 margin.

Kagi is chairwoman of the House committee on early learning and social services and a member of the Appropriations Committee.

The King County Municipal League has given Kagi its highest ranking, “Outstanding.”