State Sen. Emily Randall of the 26th Legislative District and state Public Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz recently announced their intentions to run for Congress’ 6th Congressional District in 2024, following U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer’s announcement that he will not be seeking re-election.

Randall was elected to represent the 26th District in 2018, which includes parts of Bremerton, Gorst, Port Orchard and Gig Harbor. Franz has held her position since 2017 and was previously a Bainbridge Island City Councilmember. She had intended to run for governor but withdrew to run for Kilmer’s open seat.

Both are Democrats.

“My story is just like the stories of my neighbors,” a statement from Randall says on her website. “We’ve all worked hard to cover the rising costs of healthcare, housing, groceries and gas. I’m running for Congress because this is the best way I can give back and get results for the community that has given me so much.”

Franz says in a statement on her website that: “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. 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.”