For the Reporter

The 31st Legislative District Democrats host a forum on Wednesday, April 25, featuring four candidates running for U.S. Congress in Washington’s 8th Congressional District.

Jason Rittereiser, Dr. Kim Schrier, Dr. Shannon Hader and Braydon Olson will answer questions posed by local citizens whom they would represent if elected in November.

The forum joins the regular monthly meeting of the 31st District Democrats at East Pierce Fire & Rescue Station, 10105 24th St. E, Edgewood. The meeting starts at 7 p.m., and the forum follows at 7:30. Candidates and the public are invited to arrive as early as 6 p.m. for coffee and conversation.

Each of the candidates has requested endorsement from the 31st Democrats in their bid to replace retiring incumbent Rep. Dave Reichert, R-Auburn, who has represented the 8th Congressional District since 2005.

The district’s executive board will pre-select four questions, and four more will be selected from questions solicited from the audience during the event. Each candidate will be allowed two minutes to answer each question and two minutes for an opening and a closing statement. District Chair Brian Gunn will moderate the forum.

The Democratic candidates — all political newcomers — are competing to survive the top-two primary in August. On the Republican side, former state senator and three-time statewide candidate Dino Rossi is running.