Washington Public Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz Drops Governor Bid to Run for Congress

Franz, who has served as Public Lands Commissioner for seven years, aims to replace retiring Rep. Derek Kilmer in the 6th Congressional District, focusing on issues such as rising prices, reproductive freedom, and the climate crisis.

Hilary Franz, Washington state Public Lands Commissioner, has withdrawn her candidacy for the governor's office to run for Congress, aiming to replace retiring Rep. Derek Kilmer in the 6th Congressional District.
Franz's decision to run for Congress was influenced by her conversations with voters across Washington, who expressed concerns about rising prices, reproductive freedom and women’s rights, the future of democracy, the support of veterans and military families, and the climate crisis.
In her statement, Franz emphasized that the challenges faced by Washington extend beyond its borders, and she aims to bring her vision for bold, transformative action to the nation’s capital.
Franz has a seven-year tenure as the commissioner responsible for millions of acres of public lands in Washington, during which she secured $500 million from the Washington state Legislature in 2021 to prevent and fight wildfires.
Before her role as commissioner, Franz served on the Bainbridge Island City Council, Puget Sound Transportation Futures Task Force, and other panels, and was the executive director of Futurewise, an environmental advocacy group.