by Jerry Cornfield, Washington State Standard
October 2, 2024
Democratic state Sen. Kevin Van De Wege, who lost his bid for Washington public lands commissioner in August, resigned from his legislative office Wednesday, three months before the end of his term.
Van De Wege, 50, of Lake Sutherland, was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2006 and served in the Senate since 2017. He represented the 24th Legislative District encompassing Clallam, Jefferson and Grays Harbor counties.
“It has been the honor of my life to serve in the Legislature these past 18 years but it is time for me to move on,” he wrote in his resignation letter to Gov. Jay Inslee on Monday.
Van De Wege, in a statement issued Wednesday, said it was “a dream come true” to hold elected office. “Now I’m ready to turn the page and begin the next chapter of my life,” he said.
“I leave with many great memories and the belief I always did my best. I didn’t win every fight — no one in Olympia ever does — but I think I won more than my share. I sure tried, and I’m proud of what was accomplished. I know that,” he said. “I step aside knowing our communities are in good hands. I couldn’t have asked for better seatmates or better people to work for.”
Van De Wege, a fire district captain in Clallam County, chaired the Senate Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources & Parks Committee through his two terms and also served on the Ways & Means and the Health & Long Term Care committees.
In June 2023, he launched a campaign for commissioner of public lands. He described his first run for statewide office as “the culmination of my political career.”
It didn’t turn out as the moderate Democrat had hoped. In the August primary, Van De Wege finished sixth in the seven candidate field. He was one of five Democrats in the race.
Democratic state Rep. Mike Chapman and Republican Marcia Kelbon are competing in the Nov. 5 general election to succeed Van De Wege in the Senate. Chapman won the primary with 54% of the vote.
When results are certified in December, it is likely the winner will be appointed to serve the unexpired portion of Van De Wege’s term.
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