SEATTLE - Washington Public Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz has received a significant endorsement in her congressional campaign for the 6th Congressional District. U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer, who announced that he will not seek reelection to a seventh term, has thrown his support behind Franz as his successor.

The 53-year-old Franz, a resident of Grays Harbor County and a mother of three, officially announced her candidacy for Congress on Friday. Prior to her announcement, Franz had been among the three prominent Democrats vying for the Washington governor's race in 2024, alongside state Attorney General Bob Ferguson and Sen. Mark Mullet.

In a press release, Franz highlighted key issues such as rising prices, the protection of abortion rights, and the urgent need to address the climate crisis as her motivation for entering the congressional race. She expressed her commitment to finding bold and transformative solutions for families across the region.

Speculation about Franz's withdrawal from the gubernatorial race began after Kilmer's announcement on Thursday, prompting her to express her gratitude to Kilmer for his dedicated service. Franz's campaign for governor had struggled to gain momentum, with Ferguson leading the fundraising efforts, having raised $4.5 million according to records from the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission. Additionally, Ferguson had earned several major endorsements, including one from Kilmer. Even Mullet had raised more funds than Franz, who had garnered $680,288 before dropping out, slightly ahead of Republican frontrunner Dave Reichert, who had raised $641,561.

As the general election in Washington approaches in just over a year, both the gubernatorial and congressional races will be decided on November 5, 2024. Franz's endorsement from Kilmer holds significant weight, as he praises her as a bold, strategic leader who has a proven track record of uniting people from diverse backgrounds to find solutions to common challenges. Kilmer emphasizes Franz's dedication to fighting climate change and her advocacy for Washington's working families, making her an essential addition to Congress in the face of increasing climate-related disasters.

Franz has further garnered endorsements from mayors in Tacoma, Poulsbo, and Aberdeen, as well as several other leaders in Pierce and Kitsap counties. Her experience as public lands commissioner, combined with her previous roles on various councils and boards, demonstrates her commitment to environmental issues and her understanding of the pressing threats posed by climate change.

Franz's Republican opponent in the gubernatorial race, Dave Reichert, is also facing competition from military veteran Semi Bird. However, the focus now shifts to Franz's bid for Congress, where she aims to bring the same urgency she demonstrated in her role as lands and wildfire chief to address the most critical challenges of climate change.

Meanwhile, Republican state Sen. Drew MacEwen of Mason County has revealed that he is forming an exploratory committee to consider running against Franz for the congressional seat. MacEwen, highlighting his ties to the Navy as a former submariner and his tenure in the state legislature, believes he is uniquely qualified to represent the concerns of constituents in the 6th Congressional District.

Franz's endorsement from Kilmer, along with her extensive experience and focus on pressing issues, positions her as a key contender in the upcoming congressional race. As the election approaches, voters will closely examine the candidates' platforms and visions for the future, ultimately deciding who will represent the 6th Congressional District in Washington, D.C.