PORT ANGELES — The race to replace longtime 24th District lawmaker Steve Tharinger is beginning to take shape, with candidates now stepping forward from both sides of the aisle.
Patrick DePoe, a Neah Bay resident and Makah tribal member, is running for the seat. DePoe currently serves as Executive Director of the Association of Washington Tribes and previously mounted a statewide campaign for lands commissioner in 2024.
He says his decision to run comes from a deep connection to the district and an understanding of its challenges.
“First of all, it’s where I’m from, right. I’m from Neah Bay. I’ve been there my entire life. You know, I’ve left for college, always came back to Neah Bay. I worked in the Seattle area at the University of Washington Medical Center, but always was back in the Neah Bay area, on the peninsula in one way or another, and I understand the needs of our district. I understand the issues that our district deals with on a day-to-day basis,” told Newsradio KONP.
DePoe’s background includes work with tribal governments and natural resource policy, he says that shapes his priorities on rural infrastructure, healthcare access, and economic opportunity across the North Olympic Peninsula.
Meanwhile, Aidan Hamilton and Kaylee Kuehn have also announced they are running for the seat.
Filing for elective offices is in May.