Inslee To Run for Governor

U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee, who has represented the 1st Congressional District in the House of Representatives for more than a decade, is going to officially enter the Washington state governor's race early next week.

Inslee plans to announce his candidacy at 9 a.m. on Monday in Seattle at Targeted Growth Inc. in South Lake Union. He'll also make an appearance at Sunnyside Dam Park in the Yakima Valley at 1:30 p.m. that day. On Tuesday, Inslee is scheduled to make stops in Tacoma, Vancouver, and Spokane.

Inslee also announced the news Friday on hisFacebook site.

Inslee, who ran previously in 1996, but lost in the democratic primary to Gary Locke, who went on to serve two terms, could face current Attorney General Rob McKenna, , in the November 2012 general election. 

Inslee, a Bainbridge Island Democrat, has district offices at Shoreline Center.

Here is the most of the announcement he posted on Facebook:

"We have some important news to share on Monday, but as one of my Facebook friends, I wanted to let you know first: On Monday morning, I will formally announce my candidacy to be the next governor of Washington state.

 Over the coming weeks and months, there will be many opportunities for you to join us and help build a strong, grassroots campaign that will reach every corner of the state. I hope you'll take your first step today by making a contribution of whatever you can afford.

While considering this race, I have been humbled by the encouragement I've received from supporters like you from Port Angeles to Pullman. I'm excited to embark on this journey with you as we strive together to build a Washington that works today and into the future.

On Monday, we'll start that process in earnest. I will announce my candidacy in Seattle, then head to Yakima. On Tuesday, I will be in Tacoma, Vancouver, and Spokane. I want to invite you to watch the first event live. We'll be streaming my morning announcement from Seattle starting at 9:00 a.m. Make sure to keep an eye on your inbox Monday morning for more information about how you can tune in."