Sharry Edwards on Wednesday announced her candidacy for the state legislature, running for House position No. 2 in the 30th Legislative District.

Edwards, a Democrat, has been a longtime advocate and caregiver in the community and is ready to get to work.

“The 30th District needs someone that is willing and able to represent the entire community — especially members of our society who are struggling,” Edwards said in a statement.

Sharry works full time for Group Health Cooperative in Federal Way as a licensed practical nurse, and she has been with Group Health for over 20 years. Many of her years of service have been in home health care and hospice, but she has also enjoyed working in orthopedics, primary care and other specialties.

“Nursing has given me opportunities to help people in countless ways,” Edwards said. “I’ve been a strong advocate for the concerns of patients and community members, and I look forward to continuing that advocacy for the people of the 30th in Olympia. Whether helping a patient undergoing cancer treatment or making a home visit to a patient on the verge of losing their health insurance, I see the struggles people face every day in our community. That is why I’m running – we need someone who understands the challenges of people in every walk of life. Our legislature has failed to make funding education a priority even to the point of being held in contempt of court. This has to change.”

Edwards is married with three children. Her oldest son attends the University of Washington in Seattle, her daughter attends Decatur High School and her youngest son is a student at Lakota Middle School. Edwards and her family enjoy volunteering and giving back to the community. They recently helped the Lakota Middle Schools Integrated Environmental Sustainability Academy construct a 7,000-square-foot garden for the students to use as an outdoor classroom.

For more information, visit www.electsharryedwards.com.