SEATTLE (AP) — Rep. Jay Inslee is resigning from Congress to focus full time on running for governor of Washington state this fall.
The Democrat announced his decision Saturday at a news conference in Seattle. Inslee is in his eighth term representing a Seattle-area district in the House.
Washington’s Democratic governor, Christine Gregoire (GREG’-wahr), is retiring at the end of her term. Inslee is running against Republican Attorney General Rob McKenna to replace her.
Inslee’s 1st District seat will remain vacant until a new representative is elected in November.
He is among 22 Democratic members of the House who are not seeking re-election, along with 16 Republicans. His resignation is effective March 20.