Incumbent Rep. Ruth Kagi, D-Lake Forest Park, will retain her seat after running against an old running mate and a new one for the 32nd District House Pos. 1.
The morning after Election Day, Kagi earned 23,624 votes and said she was pleased with the high number of votes she received. Kagi has served six years as a state representative.
“I really didn’t calculate what percentage I would win by,” Kagi said. “But I really appreciate the support of voters in the 32nd District.”
Kagi, 59, describes herself as a mainstream moderate Democrat, which she said reflects the character of the district. She said she is excited to return for another term and expects there will be a stronger majority of Democrats in the House.
“I think we have a strong Democratic majority in the House,” Kagi said. “I am optimistic we will be able to accomplish some legislative goals in the coming session.”
Kagi looks forward to continuing to serve as chair of the Children and Family Services Committee in the House, and hopes to make progress on early childhood education, foster care and services for the developmentally disabled.
She also plans to address the Fircrest School, in Shoreline, which is currently being downsized. Kagi said she will introduce a bill to set up a commission to look at the need for services and recommend a method of consolidation. She supports consolidating the five state institutions, while keeping the Fircrest School open.
“I want to keep Fircrest open, but we do need to consolidate our five big institutions,” Kagi said. “It is really prudent for us to take a careful look at this and consolidate.”
Kagi also plans to introduce a major initiative on early childhood education, and said she will work to improve education for young children.
Kagi’s opponent, Margaret Wiggins, R-Bothell, earned 12,426 votes, shortly after Election Day.
Wiggins, 52, who ran against Kagi in the last election, is a Northshore Utility District water commissioner. She said she was not surprised by the general election results. By running against Kagi, she said she strengthened the competition.
“I appreciate the fact that by campaigning, I make her pay attention to the other part of the constituency,” Wiggins said. “She gets more focused and a little more anti-tax.”
Wiggins said she is not sure if she will run again, but said she will consider the possibility in the next election.
Newcomer Gordon Bohnke, L-Edmonds, who earned 1,131 votes, could not be reached for comment.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
