Democrats look to fill vacant House seat

  • By Jerry Cornfield Herald Writer
  • Saturday, May 14, 2016 6:53pm
  • Local News

EVERETT — John Lovick is hoping voters will return him to the Legislature this fall.

Democratic Party officers, however, may try to get him there a little sooner.

On May 19, precinct officers will meet to nominate three people to fill the legislative seat vacated by Hans Dunshee, who is now on the Snohomish County Council. Those names will be sent to the County Council, which will make the appointment.

Lovick, who has served as both Snohomish County executive and sheriff, is a former state lawmaker. He has been campaigning for the seat and now intends to seek the appointment.

Snohomish County Democratic Party Chairman Richard Wright said Tuesday that he was unaware of any other Democrats publicly expressing interest in the appointment.

Dunshee resigned April 18 from the state House of Representatives where he had served two decades.

His exit created an opening for Position 1 in the 44th Legislative District which encompasses the cities of Snohomish, Lake Stevens and Mill Creek.

State law says the person appointed to the seat must be from the same political party. The appointee will serve until voters elect someone to serve the full two-year House term.

That process begins May 19 when Democratic Party precinct officers in the legislative district will gather to select three people for the county council to consider.

Their meeting is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. in the Everettt Labor Temple 2812 Lombard Ave.

The council could consider the appointment the following week.

Meanwhile, Janice Huxford, of Lake Stevens, is the only announced Republican candidate in the race.

Formal filing period for candidates is May 16 to 20.

Jerry Cornfield: 360-352-8623; jcornfield@heraldnet.com

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