Franz launches her campaign for WA’s 6th Congressional District with endorsement from retiring Rep. Derek Kilmer
TACOMA – Today, Hilary Franz announced she’s running for Congress with a new campaign ad outlining why she’s taking her priorities to the national stage.
“Over the last few months, I’ve talked to voters in every corner of Washington and heard the same concerns – rising prices for necessities like housing pushing families out of the middle class, protecting reproductive freedom and women’s rights, safeguarding our democracy, supporting our veterans and military families, and the climate crisis bearing down on us,” said Hilary Franz. “The challenges we face extend beyond the borders of Washington, and so must our solutions. I am running for Congress to bring my vision for bold, transformative action to our nation’s capital and keep fighting for families across our region.”
Franz, a mother of three who lives in Grays Harbor County, is running to replace retiring Rep. Derek Kilmer, who has served the 6th Congressional District – which includes most of Tacoma, the Kitsap Peninsula and the Olympic Peninsula – since 2013. Rep. Kilmer has endorsed Franz’ campaign for his seat.
“As lands and wildfire chief, Hilary Franz has proven herself to be a bold, strategic leader with a track record of bringing people together from across the state and from different backgrounds to find solutions to our shared problems,” said Rep. Derek Kilmer (WA-06). “She’s been a leader in the fight against climate change and a champion for Washington’s working families, including throughout the 6th Congressional District. In a time when catastrophic climate events are happening with more frequency, our nation needs Hilary’s experience in Congress, and Washington needs her leadership.”
Franz also announced endorsements from Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards, Kitsap County Commissioner Christine Rolfes, Pierce County Councilmember Ryan Mello, Poulsbo Mayor Becky Erickson, Aberdeen Mayor Pete Schave, Poulsbo City Councilmember Ed Stern, Tacoma City Councilmember Olgy Diaz, state Rep. Mike Chapman (D-24), and Tacoma Port Commissioner Kristin Ang.
Since 2016, Franz has served as Washington’s Commissioner of Public Lands – only the second woman to be elected to the office in the state’s history. During her tenure, she has led her agency into new policy areas, with groundbreaking new initiatives and historic investments to fight wildfires, protect Washington’s land and waters, build more climate resiliency for the future, and construct affordable housing – creating thousands of jobs in rural communities along the way.
Franz has a long history of public service in the district. Prior to serving as lands commissioner, Franz served on the Bainbridge Island City Council from 2008-2011, where she secured significant federal investments in transportation infrastructure, developed innovative affordable housing policies and launched a nationally recognized energy efficiency program.
“We’ve made Washington a national leader in wildfire prevention and climate action,” Franz said. “After years of national stalling, we don’t have time to waste. In Congress, I’ll work to address the most pressing threats of climate change with the same urgency I’ve brought to my job as lands and wildfire chief.”
Franz has also served on the Kitsap Regional Coordinating Council, the Puget Sound Salmon Recovery Board, the Washington State Climate Action Team, and the Puget Sound Regional Council Transportation Futures Task Force.
