PORT TOWNSEND — Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney Juelie Dalzell won’t seek a fourth four-year term this year and plans to take some time off before taking her next career step, she said Monday.
Stepping immediately into the breach is Chief Criminal Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Scott Rosekrans, who will make his formal announcement of candidacy at Tuesday’s Dems Night Out gathering in Port Hadlock.
Dalzell, 62, a Democrat in the partisan office, said she plans to take some time off “to explore my options” and perhaps seek another elected office in the future.
She may run for the state Legislature but said she will not seek the seat left open by Rep. Lynn Kessler, D-Hoquiam. Kessler announced last week that she won’t seek re-election in the fall.
Rosekrans, 58, has worked in Jefferson County for two years after working as a policeman, prosecutor and defense attorney in Texas. Rosekrans has held the ambition to run for the top prosecutor’s spot for some time but would not challenge Dalzell.
All candidates must register June 7-11 for inclusion in the Aug. 17 primary.
If there are more than two candidates, the top two winners in August will face off in the Nov. 2 general election regardless of party affiliation.
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Jefferson County reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
