Whitman County Gazette - Serving Whitman County since 1877

OLYMPIA – Gov. Jay Inslee won't be seeking a fourth term.

Inslee, a Democrat from Bainbridge Island, announced Monday, May 1, that he's ready to move on.

"Today I announced I will not seek a fourth term," he said. "We've made Washington a beacon for progress for the nation, and now it's time to pass the torch.

Born and raised in Seattle, he was first elected to the state House of Representatives in 1989, then elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1993.

The 72-year-old Inslee was elected to lead the state in 2013, and is the longest-serving governor currently in office.

Inslee said he's proud to have "played a role in our state's leadership on so many fronts."

As governor, Inslee pushed for more gun-control laws, climate change measures funded through tax increases and oversaw "emergency" management of the state during the pandemic.

"We've passed the nation's best climate policies, the most successful family leave benefits, the best college scholarship programs, a more fair legal justice system, and the most protective actions against gun violence," he said.

Inslee has also been a proponent for diversity.

"Now is the time to intensely focus on all we can accomplish in the next year and a half, and I intend to do just that," he said after announcing that he won't seek re-election.