Two Democratic 32nd District legislators get election challengers

By Evan Smith

Two Democratic 32nd District legislators, State Sen. Marilyn Chase and State Rep. Cindy Ryu, already have challengers for the August primary and November general election.

Neither of the two candidates who hope to challenge the Democratic incumbents is a Republican; both have run for office before.

Chase’s opponent, Shoreline Deputy Mayor Jesse Salomon, is a Democrat, Ryu’s opponent, Keith Smith, has registered with the state Public Disclosure Commission with “Other” as his party preference, rather than Democrat, Republican, Libertarian or Independent.

Smith ran against Ryu in 2016 with “No Party Preference." He placed third in the primary behind Ryu and Republican Al Rutledge and didn’t advance to the general election.

Salomon is challenging fellow Democrat Chase. The 32nd Legislative District Democrats supported Salomon in his first run for the Shoreline council in 2011 but backed his opponent when he ran for re-election in 2015. He has reported raising $36,948, $30,000 of it from himself, and spending $2,578. Chase has reported raising $14,905, and spending $1,582. Legislators aren't allowed to raise or spend campaign money during the legislative session. Ryu has raised $14,400 and spent $13,729, while Smith reports no fundraising activity.

All four have registered with the Public Disclosure Commission, a step that allows them to raise and spend money for the August primary and November general election. Candidates file for ballot position in May.

Chase has been elected to the State House of Representatives four times and the Senate twice.

Democratic 32nd Legislative District Rep. Ruth Kagi, who also has registered with the PDC, has no announced opposition.

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

Democratic 46th Legislative District Sen. David Frockt and Reps. Gerry Pollet and Javier Valdez all have no announced opponents.

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

Evan Smith can be reached at schsmith@frontier.com.