Kent Democrat Debra Entenman will run for the state representative House District 47 seat held by Mark Hargrove, R-Covington.
Entenman, 9th District director for U.S. Rep. Adam Smith, D-Bellevue, out of his Renton office, plans to give more people a voice in Olympia.
“I’ve dedicated my career to serving our community and now am ready to take the next step and continue to give back in a new way,” Entenman said in a Thursday press release. “For too long, many have felt like their voices are not being heard in Olympia’s hallways of power. I’m running to represent the families of South King County who feel forgotten and left behind. I am committed to working every single day to elevate South King County and bring new voices to the table.”
Bailey Stober announced plans earlier this week that he is running as an Independent Democrat to defeat Hargrove for the Position No. 1 seat. Hargrove is seeking a fifth, two-year term. The district includes parts of Kent, Auburn and Covington.
Entenman said expanding educational opportunities, both in K-12 and higher education, is a top priority in her campaign. She serves on the Renton Technical College Board of Trustees. Gov. Jay Inslee appointed her to the board in July, 2015. Her term expires in 2019.
A former non-traditional student herself, Entenman said she knows firsthand the challenges of working, raising a family and attending school.
“A strong education, from pre-K to education beyond high school, provides a foundation for opportunity and success,” she said. “While many of our schools face challenges in South King County, I just do not see the leadership of our current representative fighting for the kids and families trying to build a successful life through education. Our children and our community deserve better.”
Entenman has worked 12 years for Congressman Smith. She leads his outreach efforts in South King County and often represents Smith at community events. The 9th District includes parts of Seattle, Renton, Kent, Bellevue, Mercer Island, Tukwila, SeaTac, Des Moines, Federal Way and Tacoma.
Entenman holds a bachelor’s degree from Seattle University. She is a member of the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle. Entenman previously served on boards for Neighborhood House as well as Kent Youth and Family Services.
Entenman lives in Kent with her husband and their lab mix, Zoey.
