Sen. Tracey Eide, D-Federal Way, announced on Monday that she will not seek re-election this November in the 30th District.
“Shortly after my re-election in 2010, I decided that this term would be my last and that I would pour myself into this term and then open the door for someone else. That time is here,” Eide wrote in a statement. “After 18 years in the Legislature, including 16 in the Senate, I leave with mixed feelings. I’ve taken joy and satisfaction in every successful effort on behalf of my constituents and my state, and I’ve agonized over those that came up short. It has been a point of privilege and honor to represent my district. I wish I could have done even more, but I’m sure every legislator feels that way.
Eide said she came to the Legislature as a PTA mom and “never lost my passion for fighting to improve opportunities for our students. From leading the fight for simple majority legislation to eliminate the supermajority voting requirement to pass school levies, to funding the Digital Learning Commons, I’ve never stopped fighting that fight. Along the way, I was also proud to lead the charge for the intermediate driver’s license legislation that has reduced teen driving deaths and serious injuries by nearly half, and the highway safety bill that restricts drivers from texting or talking on handheld phones.”
Eide saluted her colleagues and stakeholders who helped her achieve this legislation.
”It has been my fortune and my pleasure to have worked with many, many amazing and unforgettable people over the years, both inside and outside the Legislature. I thank them for their help and their blood and their sweat and their tears,” Eide wrote. “Most of all, I thank my constituents for trusting me to represent their interests. I have been humbled and honored to serve the fine people of my district.”
Former state Rep. Mark Miloscia announced on March 6 his bid for Eide’s seat. The former Democrat is running as a Republican.
Candidates seeking to run for office have until 4:30 p.m. on May 16 to file a declaration of candidacy, according to King County Elections.
