LYNNWOOD, Wash. — Lynnwood City Councilmember Josh Binda announced Wednesday he is running for congress and challenging 23-year incumbent Rep. Rick Larsen.
Binda announced his campaign for Washington's 2nd Congressional District, which includes most of Snohomish County and all of Skagit, Whatcom, Island and San Juan counties, outside of Snoqualmie Hall at Edmonds Community College.
"I want to officially stand in front of you guys and announce that I will be running for Congress here in District 2," Binda said. "I made this decision for a multitude of reasons. I think right now we're in desperate need of a new face. I think we're in desperate need of some new leadership. And I think we need a new voice that's ready to bring innovative ideas."
Binda is challenging Democrat Larsen, who has represented the district since 2001. If elected, Binda would be the youngest congressperson.
Binda was at the center of an ethics investigation for promoting his for-profit speaking tour inside council chambers and for spending campaign money on personal expenses. Binda was ultimately fined for misusing campaign funds.
The NCAAP accused the city council of "targeting" Binda. The NCAAP investigations specifically called out the city council president and accused her of creating a "hostile work environment," "obstructing city staff," and "overstepping her authority."
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