The elected position oversees the Washington Department of Natural Resources, which includes managing 5.6 million acres of state-owned public lands. Herrera Beutler and Upthegrove are competing to replace current commissioner Hilary Franz, who decided not to run for reelection, first declaring for governor, then running an unsuccessful bid for the 6th Congressional District.
Herrera Beutler was the Republican representative in the 3rd Congressional District in southwest Washington, taking office in 2011. She lost her seat in the 2022 primary after Republican Joe Kent challenged her from the right, following her vote to impeach former President Donald Trump for his role in the Jan. 6 insurrection.
Upthegrove is the King County
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