TACOMA, Wash. — State senator Drew MacEwen is used to being an underdog.
When the Republican ran for state Representative in 2011 he was told his chances were not good.
“Everybody told me, ‘Oh, there hasn’t been a Republican forever,'" MacEwen said. "Yeah, there hadn’t been, 1932, the last time somebody held my House seat by a Republican. I changed that.”
MacEwen hopes to make history again in November 2024. He announced Monday he is running for the state’s Sixth District Congressional seat.
The incumbent, Rep. Derek Kilmer, announced he would not seek a seventh term in 2024.
Democrats have held the position since 1965, but MacEwan said the district is changing. He noted the majority of state legislators from that district are currently Republicans.
MacEwan said Congress is dysfunctional, but he thinks he could help pass legislation because of his experience in Olympia.
Republicans have not held the majority during MacEwen’s time in Olympia.
”As a member of the minority party you learn to work across the aisle and how to get things done and how to bring infrastructure dollars back to your district,” MacEwen said. “That’s something I’ve been very proud of over the last 11 years.”
In addition to MacEwen, three Democrats have announced they seek the position: state Senator Emily Randall, Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz, and Jefferson County Commissioner Kate Dean.