ELECTIONS 2024: Democrat who flipped state House seat by 211 votes draws GOP challenger (WSS)

Jerry Cornfield reports on the legislature and legislative elections for the Washington State Standard.

A Republican member of the Arlington City Council on Monday launched a campaign against Democratic state Rep. Clyde Shavers whose narrow victory in 2022 was one of the year’s closest and most costly legislative campaigns in Washington.

Yvonne Gallardo, who won her first full council term in November, said she’ll approach legislating in Olympia as she does in Arlington by listening to what constituents want.

They Said It

“As a local leader watching how Olympia continues to vote against our small business interests, public safety and taxpayers, I finally said ‘enough is enough.’ I think we can do better,” she said Monday. “I’m not ok with the status quo and will be a transparent and thoughtful voice for our community, not special interests and party bosses.”

On Monday, Shavers of Oak Harbor declined to say if he would seek re-election. He has formed a campaign committee and raised about $20,000 in this election cycle.

“Right now, I’m focused on the bills we’ve introduced,” he said. “We have a good number that address a wide range of issues.”

When asked about [late-breaking allegations that Shavers had embellished his military service] in the 2022 race, she said she found Shavers’ trouble with the truth irritating.

“It’s a little embarrassing to see him out there representing veterans,” she said. “Why can’t he be proud of what he did accomplish?”