Fifth District Representative Jay Rodne (R-Snoqualmie) has announced today via Facebook that he will not see re-election to his seat in the state legislature. He said he will complete his current term, which expires Dec. 31. In response to the announcement, former State Representative Chad Magendanz (R-Issaquah) has announced he will be running for Rodne’s open position in the next term.

“Since 2004, you have trusted me to be your voice and advocate in Olympia. I am forever humbled and grateful for the trust and confidence that you have placed in me and during these past 14 years, we have accomplished so much together,” Rodne wrote.

Accomplishments listed include enactment of the Lysted Law establishing a protocol for youth sports concussions, Joel’s Law for mental health system improvements, transportation improvements such as the expedited updates on the S.R. 18 and Interstate-90 interchange near Snoqualmie.

“When I was first appointed to the Washington House of Representatives in January 2004, my kids were 7 and 5 respectively. It’s amazing how fast the years have flown by and with my kids now in college, about to graduate and embark upon their own lives as adults, I too am looking forward to making this transition to new opportunities, new challenges and new ways to give back,” he wrote.

Magendanz served two terms in the Washington House of Representatives from 2013 to 2017 representing the 5th District. He was the ranking Republican on the House Education Committee during his tenure. In 2016, he chose not to run again for the House, but instead launched a campaign for the 5th District Senate seat, losing to incumbent Mark Mullet

“I look forward to returning to Olympia to continue the work that I started in 2012, promoting sensible policies that make thoughtful investments in the future of our state,” Magendanz said.

Chad Magendanz, former 5th District Representative, will run for election to the House seat Rodne is vacating at the end of his term.