SEQUIM — A political ripple caused by the retirement announcement of state Sen. Jim Hargrove began Monday, with two candidates announcing their election plans.
State Rep. Kevin Van De Wege, in his fifth term in the Legislature, announced that he will relinquish that seat in order to run for the state Senate seat Hargrove is vacating at year’s end.
Minutes after Van De Wege’s announcement, four-term Clallam County Commissioner Mike Chapman announced his intention to run for Van De Wege’s seat.
Hargrove, 62, announced March 10 he will not seek re-election.
The Hoquiam Democrat has been a member of the state Senate since 1993. He had previously served in the state House of Representatives from 1985 to 1992.
Hargrove — along with Rep. Steve Tharinger and Van De Wege, both Sequim Democrats — represents the 24th District, which covers Clallam and Jefferson counties and part of Grays Harbor County.
Waiting on decision
Van De Wege, 41, said last week he wasn’t sure if he would run for the Senate, while other potential office seekers were waiting for Van De Wege’s decision before making their own plans.
“I’m excited to announce my candidacy to the state Senate,” Van De Wege said in a news release distributed to the media Monday afternoon.
“It’s an opportunity to keep working on creating family wage jobs, championing our public schools and working to keep improving the quality of life for every resident on the Peninsula.”
Chapman in his release said: “I’m basing my campaign around creating more opportunities and support for the communities, families and businesses of the Olympic Peninsula.”
“I am running for the state House of Representatives to be a passionate advocate for those who need it most.”
Both Democrats
Both are running as Democrats.
Chapman, 52, began his political career as a Republican, changed to independent and joined the Clallam County Democrats in November.
Van De Wege currently serves as majority whip with the House Democratic Caucus, a position he has held since 2010. He currently serves on the Agriculture and Natural Resource Committee, Health Care Committee, Rules Committee and is a member of the Commerce and Gaming Committee.
Van De Wege is a lieutenant with the Clallam County Fire District No. 3 and lives in Sequim with his wife Jennifer, a high school teacher. They have two children, Allison and Jackson.
Prior to his election as Clallam County commissioner, Chapman served as a local law enforcement officer and U.S. Customs inspector. In that position, he is credited with apprehending terrorist Ahmed Ressam in 1999 and thwarting Ressam’s plan to bomb Los Angeles.
Chapman and his wife of 27 years, Bobbi, reside in Port Angeles and have two sons, Larsson and Anders.
Candidate filing takes place from May 9 to May 13.
The top two vote recipients for each office in the Aug. 2 primary election will advance to the Nov. 8 general election.
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
