Dave Reichert Says No To Republican Gubernatorial Run

BELLEVUE, WA — After a weekend of talk that he might challenge Gov. Jay Inslee in 2020, former Bellevue congressman Dave Reichert is saying he won't run for governor next year.

On Friday, state Republican party chair Caleb Heimlich said Reichert was considering a 2020 run. But in a statement on Tuesday, Reichert said he's comfortable in his current role as a lobbyist for Tacoma-based Gordon Thomas Honeywell Governmental Affairs.

"My wife, kids, and grandkids have made great sacrifices over my nearly five decades of public servanthood, and we are now able to enjoy much quality time with each other" the former King County Sheriff said in a statement. "I'm confident a quality Republican candidate will enter the race and I look forward to the first Republican serving as governor of this great state for the first time since John Spellman in 1985."

There are already two Republicans in the 2020 race. State Sen. Phil Fortunato, R-Bonney Lake, announced he would run in early August. Loren Culp, the I-1639-refusing police chief in Republic, is also running. Gov. Jay Inslee dropped out of the 2020 presidential race in August, confirming he would seek a third term.

Reichert decided not to run for reelection in 2018. Dino Rossi ran to replace him, but was defeated by Issaquah Democrat Kim Schrier.