Candidates vie for open U.S. House seat in Washington 6th District primary race

Following the retirement of its longtime congressman, three state officials and one newcomer are running to fill an open seat in Washington's Sixth Congressional District.

Rep. Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor, has represented the left-leaning district – which spans the Olympic and Kitsap Peninsulas plus a large swath of Tacoma – for the last decade. He has decided not to seek reelection.

In his absence, two state senators, Emily Randall, D-Bremerton, and Drew MacEwen, R-Union, as well as Hilary Franz, Washington’s Public Lands Commissioner, are running to replace him. Independent Graham Ralston has also filed for the seat.

VOTER GUIDE: Washington primary election August 2024

All four candidates will appear on the Aug. 6 Primary Election Ballot. The top two will advance to the General Election in November.

The Kitsap Sun emailed each candidate a list of four questions. Their answers are below. Responses have been edited lightly for clarity.

Hilary Franz

Elected experience: Washington Public Lands Commissioner (2017-present); Bainbridge Island City Council (2008-2011)

Party: Democratic

Campaign contributions: $1.36 million (Federal Elections Commission data)

Many residents are reporting challenges with the rising cost of living in our region. What policies would you support to help middle and low-income workers?

Too many people in our communities are struggling with the cost of housing, childcare and other basic needs.

As a city councilmember I wrote and passed affordable housing ordinances and secured critical housing investments. As Commissioner of Public Lands, I passed legislation to build housing on our agency’s residential lands. We’re now building housing in Tacoma, Silverdale, and Forks. In Congress, I’ll work to pass policies and secure investments that increase housing production and address affordability. This includes supporting the Housing Credit, Housing Trust Fund, the Neighborhood Homes Tax Credit, the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, and subsidized housing.

As someone who raised three sons and cared for my father with dementia in Kitsap County, I know it’s difficult to find affordable childcare and eldercare. In Congress, I’ll prioritize that work.

Finally, wages aren’t keeping up with the cost of living. I’ll work to pass the PRO Act to ensure that workers have the right to organize and good wages and benefits. Unions built the middle class in this country. I’m proud to have the endorsement of over 40 unions, from firefighters to teachers.

How would you build a more robust economy in our region while also considering sustainability and the impacts of climate change?

We can grow our economy while also addressing climate change – that’s what I’ve done these last eight years as your Commissioner of Public Lands.

As Commissioner, I’ve worked throughout the district, creating jobs, reducing carbon emissions and mitigating climate change impacts like wildfires, floods, drought and ocean acidification. I’ve created jobs restoring 700,000 acres of forests to reduce catastrophic wildfires, while also securing investments and new jobs in mass timber, biomass and biochar. And I’ve expanded clean energy to reduce carbon emissions and grow much needed manufacturing and development jobs.

In Congress, I’ll continue this progress, creating critical jobs while reducing carbon emissions and increasing climate resilience.

I’ll also protect the defense jobs that are crucial for Kitsap County. The Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP) mission is not only critical for our security, but also for the economic importance of supporting our military and civilian workers. I’ll make sure that we fully execute the Navy’s once-in-a-century investment to reconfigure, modernize, and optimize our aging naval shipyards. I’m proud to be endorsed by the Bremerton Metal Trades Council, which represents these critical workers.

Over the last decade, the Sixth Congressional District has seen the closure of many critical health care facilities. There are now shortages for emergent, inpatient, mental health, and obstetrics care. If elected, how would you use your position in Congress to address these shortages and improve access to affordable health care? 

It’s crucial that everyone has affordable and available medical care. No one should ever choose between paying for their life-saving medication or paying rent. No one should live so far away from physical, mental or emergent healthcare services.

Having worked in community mental health, I know that when services are easily accessible and affordable, people and communities are healthier. As a mother, I know it’s challenging to receive prenatal, obstetrics and emergent care in rural areas of our district. This is especially true for families with limited means. And I frequently hear from medical providers, especially at rural hospitals, that Medicare funding is insufficient to cover existing needs.

That’s why I’ll work to lower the Medicare age, expand vision, dental and hearing benefits to traditional Medicare, and expand Medicare drug negotiation. I’ll also push for full Medicare reimbursement – preventing hospital closures and allowing doctors to spend more time with patients, not on paperwork. I’ll also work to boost funding for community clinics, especially for mental health and addiction services.

Finally, I’ll fight to defend Title X and expand these crucial well-women services. I’m proud to have the endorsement of pro-choice groups, including the National Organization for Women PAC.

The Sixth Congressional District is a politically and geographically diverse region. How would you balance the competing needs of district residents in your decision making? 

For 16 years, I’ve worked in all six counties of our district, developing affordable housing; securing billions of dollars for schools, public safety, health, housing and human services; investing in transportation; protecting and creating jobs; restoring fish and wildlife habitat; and collaborating with Tribes and local, state and federal agencies.

I’ve always worked by getting on the ground, listening to and learning from local communities, rolling up my sleeves, and getting to work. By bridging the rural and urban divide and the political divide, we will go farther together. I believe we accomplish more when we work together than tear each other apart, and the successes we have had together proves that.

I’ll take that same approach to Congress, and will continue to host in-person and online town halls. I’ll also regularly hold mobile office hours across the district.

My record of collaboration is why my campaign is supported by Rep. Derek Kilmer, former Rep. Norm Dicks, 17 Tribes, over 40 unions, and elected leaders across the district, including Kitsap County Commissioners Christine Rolfes and Katie Walters.

Drew MacEwen

Elected experience: State Senator for Washington’s 35th Legislative District (2023-present); Washington State Representative (2013-2023)

Occupation: Founder and President of Falcon Financial Inc; Managing Partner of Mountain Lakes Capital

Party: Republican

Campaign contributions: $153,000 (Federal Elections Commission data)

Many residents are reporting challenges with the rising cost of living in our region. What policies would you support to help middle and low-income workers?

Congress needs to pass an actual budget –  which has not happened in over 20 years.  Until we have a true structure from which to work we cannot even begin to truly tackle federal debt – which does have an impact on the overall economy.  I will introduce legislation to end the taxation on social security benefits for seniors who choose to go back to work, and reform the GI Bill to allow active duty and veterans to utilize part of the benefits for a first time home purchase.

How would you build a more robust economy in our region while also considering sustainability and the impacts of climate change?

We need to make serious infrastructure investments throughout the region and particularly in our shipyard.  This also includes significant increases in federal worker pay for our civilian workforce at our Navy installations.

Over the last decade, the Sixth Congressional District has seen the closure of many critical health care facilities. There are now shortages for emergent, inpatient, mental health, and obstetrics care. If elected, how would you use your position in Congress to address these shortages and improve access to affordable health care? 

The Department of Defense made a horrible decision in its consolidation of health care facilities, and this has had a negative impact on active duty families and military retirees.  The general lack of access to the Naval Hospital by active duty families and veterans has pushed them into the public sector where it has exacerbated demand.  We need to fix that asap, which will help within the general region.  We also need to ensure full reimbursement of Medicare and Medicaid providers which currently does not happen and in many cases care is delivered below actual costs.  That is not sustainable and needs to be fixed.

The Sixth Congressional District is a politically and geographically diverse region. How would you balance the competing needs of district residents in your decision making? 

Just as I have done for the past 12 years in Olympia – by listening and then advocating for my constituency. I have a track record of success at the state level in doing this and will carry that same approach to Congress.

Emily Randall

Elected experience: State Senator for Washington’s 26th Legislative District (2019-Present.)

Party: Democrat

Campaign contributions: $1.05 million (Federal Elections Commission data)

Many residents are reporting challenges with the rising cost of living in our region. What policies would you support to help middle and low-income workers?

In Congress, I will work across the aisle to make sure working class families like mine are able to earn a decent living – to put food on the table, afford healthcare, housing, and childcare, and breathe a little easier toward the end of the month.

I believe in an economy that works from the middle class out–not trickle down–putting working families at the center of economic policies. I believe in equal pay for equal work, a tax structure that requires big business to pay its fair share, and in creating good jobs by investing in small and mid-sized businesses. I believe in removing the barriers to economic freedom and opportunity for our most marginalized communities.

As a State Senator, I have led on solutions like capping prescription drug costs, building new affordable homes and increasing funding to reduce homelessness, cutting tolls on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and taxes for 100,000 small businesses, and making record investments in childcare and college financial aid.

I am also proud to be the endorsed candidate of the Washington State Labor Council and look forward to working with labor unions on solutions that will help working people and families in the 6th Congressional District.

How would you build a more robust economy in our region while also considering sustainability and the impacts of climate change?

We must make a just and fair transition away from fossil fuels and invest in clean energy jobs and infrastructure. The United States has a responsibility to be a leader and innovate new ways for countries to accelerate their transitions to a more green and clean economy. We will be successful by working closely with labor and industry to find ways for workers to pivot and grow their skills for the jobs that our changing economy and environment need. And we will be successful by continuing to invest in education and innovation – in our high schools and skill centers, our community and technical colleges, and in our research institutions. The students of today will be the innovators of tomorrow, they will come up with environmental technology and solutions we haven’t yet dreamed of – but only if we invest in their opportunity.

I have spearheaded efforts to electrify Washington’s transportation system – investing in building hybrid electric ferries – and I continue to work closely with utilities to power mass transit with clean energy. I have supported green manufacturing and industry, and will continue to work to build an economy that is good for working people – and for the future of our planet.

Over the last decade, the Sixth Congressional District has seen the closure of many critical health care facilities. There are now shortages for emergent, inpatient, mental health, and obstetrics care. If elected, how would you use your position in Congress to address these shortages and improve access to affordable health care?

Keeping the doors open at local hospitals and clinics is a big issue for rural areas here and across the country. I am in strong support of ensuring quality primary care, emergency care, and comprehensive services are available across the 6th CD. Through an increase in Medicaid and Medicare rates and changes in CMS rules, attracting and retaining providers in rural communities, and focusing on the hardest-to-access services, we can make a big difference.

As a State Senator, I have been the lead sponsor on legislation to ensure that hospital mergers do not lead to cuts in abortion care and other essential health services, and that will remain a priority at the federal level. Ensuring access to reproductive care like abortion and birth control is one of my top priorities, and I am proud to be endorsed by Planned Parenthood Action Fund.

When it comes to affordable healthcare, I believe no family should go bankrupt or lose their home because of a medical emergency or an unexpected diagnosis. No parent should have to choose between food for their kids and treatment for their cancer. I will fight to ensure everyone has access to the comprehensive, high-quality care we need.

The Sixth Congressional District is a politically and geographically diverse region. How would you balance the competing needs of district residents in your decision making? 

The 6th Congressional District is one of the most geographically diverse in the country – including dense urban areas like Tacoma and Bremerton, rural communities like Olalla and Chimacum, and nearly 1,000 miles of coastline from the Pacific Ocean to the Puget Sound. As a member of Congress, I promise to do what I’ve done as a State Senator these past six years: show up and listen to my neighbors, and fight for the issues that matter to them, no matter where they live. I am inspired by Senator Patty Murray, someone who has endorsed my campaign and has set an example by traveling to every corner of our state.

It’s not just geographic diversity that makes our district special – it’s people. Meeting neighbors where they are, seeking out new perspectives, listening to different ideas is what has made me successful as a candidate and a lawmaker. I’ve been committed to holding more community coffee hours and town halls than many of my colleagues. I’ve visited classrooms and small businesses, gone on a bike ride through Gorst and met with frustrated ferry riders. These conversations inform my votes, and help me write bills that truly reflect our community needs.

J. Graham Ralston

Occupation: Owner of Ralston Law; Former executive at U.S. Department of Transportation (2010-2017)

Party: Independent

Campaign contributions: None reported (Federal Elections Commission data)

Many residents are reporting challenges with the rising cost of living in our region. What policies would you support to help middle and low-income workers?

Rising costs of living in our region are a direct result of inflation. To best support the middle and low-income workers we need to reduce inflation by curbing government spending and producing more energy at lower costs.

The costs of basic living are up over 20% in the last couple years as a result of government overspending and a reduction in energy production. My 7-plus years in Washington, D.C., as the youngest senior federal executive at the U.S. Department of Transportation from 2010-2017, helped me understand the budget and spending process of our government. I would curb spending in two ways:

One: I would incentivize federal employees to help identify fraud, waste, and abuse. Instead, what normally happens is employees spend every last dollar of budgets so that budgets are maintained or increased. We should hold the government to the same expectation that many of us as small business owners are held to – doing more with less.

Two: For every new $1 dollar spent I would require the government to find an additional $1.20 to cut – forcing the government not to just continually add on new spending but to actively look at spending to cut.

How would you build a more robust economy in our region while also considering sustainability and the impacts of climate change?

I’m a 5th generation resident of Clallam County and growing up in Port Angeles I would spend my summers hiking and the winters skiing at Hurricane Ridge. We need to balance both the preservation of our district’s natural beauty that we all love, with the sustainable industry that we need to support our neighbors, friends, and community with economic opportunity. My experience both running a national small business program for the government and in my private practice as an attorney/CPA allow me to bring immediate value to the businesses in our district to thrive. We should leverage the natural beauty of our district to bring new business with high paying jobs here for existing residents.

Over the last decade, the Sixth Congressional District has seen the closure of many critical health care facilities. There are now shortages for emergent, inpatient, mental health, and obstetrics care. If elected, how would you use your position in Congress to address these shortages and improve access to affordable health care? 

It was only a few years ago when the country and our district were grappling with over-crowded health-care facilities due to COVID. We don’t need to close or consolidate facilities – we should be expanding and building our capacity for current and future use as a reasonable precaution with the threat of future pandemics. In Congress, I would advocate for increased federal investment in healthcare infrastructure, with easier access, specifically targeting underserved areas in our district.

The Sixth Congressional District is a politically and geographically diverse region. How would you balance the competing needs of district residents in your decision making? 

I am running as an independent and 100% self-funded so that I can directly serve the needs of the people, not a party, for this geographically diverse region. As a 5th generation resident, graduate of University of Washington and Seattle University School of Law, my connection to community, friends, family, and local business runs deep. This connection to our diverse district helps me understand the history and tradition here. My experience in Washington, DC, running a local law firm since 2019, and working with an AI technology start-up allows me to match history and tradition with what we need for tomorrow.

This article originally appeared on Kitsap Sun: 3 candidates vie for Washington's 6th Congressional District seat