OLYMPIA — Sen. Andy Hill, the key budget writer in the Senate, announced Friday that he won’t be running for governor.
The 53-year-old Redmond Republican sent an email to supporters to say that he would not challenge incumbent Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee in next year’s election, something that had been long rumored. Hill said that while many have encouraged him to enter the race, he wrote that the time is not right for him personally.
“I am humbled so many of you would think that I could make a difference and I’m honored by the tremendous outpouring of support on my behalf,” Hill wrote. “I believe strongly that this state lacks leadership and that we desperately need a new voice and a new direction. And, while I also believe it is a great time politically to undertake this effort, I’ve decided it would not be best for the Hill family at this time.”
Hill wrote that while his wife and two children have always supported him, “the fact remains that I have two kids in high school this year— a senior considering colleges and a freshman new to the high school experience.”
“I want to be there for them,” he wrote.
Hill, a former program manager at Microsoft, was elected to the Senate in 2010 and re-elected last year. He became chairman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee in 2013, which often put him at the center of contentious budget debates with Democrats who control the House.
Budget battles pushed this year’s legislative session into triple overtime, with lawmakers not leaving town until mid-July.
“This legislative session meant even more time away from my family and I know a statewide campaign would continue that absence far too long,” Hill wrote. “Despite the kids’ assurances, Dad knows best on this one.”
In a written statement, state Democratic Party spokesman Jamal Raad said that the news was a “huge blow to Republicans.”
Earlier this week, Republican Sen. Steve Litzow, who also had been rumored to be contemplating a run, announced he would seek re-election to the state Senate.
Republican Port of Seattle Commissioner Bill Bryant announced earlier this year his challenge to Inslee, who is seeking a second term.
Another candidate rumored to be considering a gubernatorial run is Republican U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert.
“I know that he’s seriously considering it,” said Susan Hutchison, chairwoman of the state Republican Party.
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