State Rep. Elizabeth Scott ends bid to unseat DelBene

  • By Jerry Cornfield Herald Writer
  • Thursday, May 5, 2016 8:26pm
  • Local News

MONROE — Republican state Rep. Elizabeth Scott of Monroe has ended her campaign to unseat Democratic U.S. Rep. Suzan DelBene in the 1st Congressional District.

Scott informed supporters Wednesday of her decision to halt the effort she began a year ago.

“It is with great sadness that I announce my decision to suspend my campaign for Congress, due to health reasons,” she said in a statement.

“I ask you to respect my family’s privacy during this difficult time,” she stated. “Thank you for your support and your prayers.”

Scott, who said she plans to complete her legislative term, did not elaborate on the health issues.

She contracted whooping cough in late February and missed several days of the legislative session. She did return for the end of regular session and the ensuing special session.

Scott, one of Snohomish County’s most popular conservative Republicans, announced her candidacy in May 2015. Her campaign had yet to gain much traction. She had raised only $95,000 through the end of March.

Her sudden departure leaves the Republican Party without a challenger to DelBene with the candidate filing period set to open May 16. Jacob Pernula, a Democrat, has also filed candidacy papers with the Federal Election Commission.

“It caught everyone by surprise,” said Susan Hutchison, chairwoman of the state Republican Party. “I did have a good conversation with Elizabeth. I wished her the best.”

While there’s little time before filing begins, DelBene won’t go unchallenged, she said

“I know someone will step up but I don’t know who that will be at this time,” Hutchison said. “There’s no question somebody will file under the Republican banner.”

In the past, there’s been rumors that state Sen. Doug Ericksen, R-Ferndale, had designs on a run for Congress. He could not be reached for comment Thursday on the potential of getting into this contest.

Ericksen demonstrated his campaign mettle in 2014 when he won re-election despite a focused attempt by the Democratic Party and a coalition of environmentalists to unseat him.

Another bonus: Ericksen hails from Whatcom County where DelBene lost to her Republican opponents in 2012 and 2014.

DelBene is seeking her third full-term as representative of the district that stretches south from the Canadian border into east King County suburbs. In Snohomish County, it includes the communities of Darrington, Granite Falls, Monroe, Gold Bar, Sultan, Snohomish, Lake Stevens and Mill Creek.

She has raised nearly $1.2 million for her re-election and had $820,000 in cash on hand at the end of March.

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

Talk to us

More in Local News

FILE - A sign hangs at a Taco Bell on May 23, 2014, in Mount Lebanon, Pa. Declaring a mission to liberate "Taco Tuesday" for all, Taco Bell asked U.S. regulators Tuesday, May 16, 2023, to force Wyoming-based Taco John's to abandon its longstanding claim to the trademark. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)
Hepatitis A confirmed in Taco Bell worker in Everett, Lake Stevens

The health department sent out a public alert for diners at two Taco Bells on May 22 or 23.

VOLLI’s Director of Food & Beverage Kevin Aiello outside of the business on Friday, May 19, 2023 in Marysville, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coming soon to Marysville: indoor pickleball, games, drinks

“We’re very confident this will be not just a hit, but a smash hit,” says co-owner Allan Jones, who is in the fun industry.

Everett
Detectives: Unresponsive baby was exposed to fentanyl at Everett hotel

An 11-month-old boy lost consciousness Tuesday afternoon. Later, the infant and a twin sibling both tested positive for fentanyl.

Cassie Franklin (left) and Nick Harper (right)
Report: No wrongdoing in Everett mayor’s romance with deputy mayor

An attorney hired by the city found no misuse of public funds. Texts between the two last year, however, were not saved on their personal phones.

Firearm discovered by TSA officers at Paine Field Thursday morning, May 11, 2023, during routine X-ray screening at the security checkpoint. (Transportation Security Administration)
3 guns caught by TSA at Paine Field this month — all loaded

Simple travel advice: Unpack before you pack to make sure there’s not a gun in your carry-on.

Heavy traffic northbound on 1-5 in Everett, Washington on August 31, 2022.  (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
To beat the rush this Memorial Day weekend, go early or late

AAA projects busy airports, ferries and roads over the holiday weekend this year, though still below pre-pandemic counts.

Logo for news use featuring the municipality of Snohomish in Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Troopers: DUI crash leaves 1 in critical condition in Maltby

A drunken driver, 34, was arrested after her pickup rear-ended another truck late Tuesday, injuring a Snohomish man, 28.

Housing Hope CEO Donna Moulton raises her hand in celebration of the groundbreaking of the Housing Hope Madrona Highlands on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
$30M affordable housing project to start construction soon in Edmonds

Once built, dozens of families who are either homeless or in poverty will move in and receive social and work services.

Gary Fontes uprights a tree that fell over in front of The Fontes Manor — a miniature handmade bed and breakfast — on Friday, May 12, 2023, at his home near Silver Lake in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Everett’s mini-Frank Lloyd Wright builds neighborhood of extra tiny homes

A tiny lighthouse, a spooky mansion and more: Gary Fontes’ miniature world of architectural wonders is one-twelfth the size of real life.

Most Read