OLYMPIA, Wash. – A state Senator from Issaquah has announced that he is joining Washington’s gubernatorial race.

State Senator Mark Mullet announced a bid for governor on Thursday, June 1st, joining a growing field of candidates seeking to replace outgoing Governor Jay Inslee.

Mullet, a Democrat, said in a news release his campaign will focus on affordable housing, public safety, climate change and the creation of jobs that allow people to start families and buy homes.

Mullet joins two other Democrats, Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson and Washington Public Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz, in the race for the open seat.

At least two Republicans, Yakima doctor Raul Garcia and Richland School Board member Semi Bird, have also announced candidacies.

Inslee, the longest-serving governor in office in the U.S. and only the second Washington governor to be elected to three consecutive terms, announced in May he would not seek a fourth term.

A primary election is set for August 2024.