Government

Nonprofit lawyer, Peninsula High graduate Richards announces run for state representative

Adison Richards has announced that he is running for the Washington State House of Representatives 26th District seat currently held by Rep. Jesse Young, R-Gig Harbor, who is running for the state Senate.

Richards, a Democrat, grew up in the district and graduated from Peninsula High School where his mom taught, according to a press release. He ran cross country and still carries a lifelong passion for running. He learned how to work hard as a kid by digging irrigation trenches and hauling bark with his dad’s landscape business.

Adison Richards Courtesy photo

After school, Richards and wife Shannon returned to the Gig Harbor area with a commitment to giving back to the community that helped him succeed, the release states. He has worked for the Northwest Justice Project, serving survivors of crime such as domestic violence and human trafficking who couldn’t afford a lawyer. Richards has also served with organizations such as Rotary, and on the boards of his church and Harbor History Museum.

Richards views running for office as a new way to deliver opportunity for all and help people, such as those he grew up with, those who are feeling the effects of the rising cost of housing, health care, childcare, goods and services, those who are deciding whether they should give up their retirement or pay for their child’s college, those giving up on college because the degree isn’t worth the debt, and many wondering what to do next because he says we haven’t invested in the infrastructure or education necessary for them to have a good-paying trade job, according to the release.

“Adison is ready to stand up and fight for this district, the district he loves and believes in, as we climb out of this pandemic,” states the release, “whether that is lower bridge tolls, our school kids, small businesses, Gorst, or a solution in Purdy that’s better than hoping the historic bridge is having a good day. Adison believes in our democratic republic, and that we must engage and get involved during these challenging times, and not disengage. He believes that we can still work together to create opportunity for all people.”

Spencer Hutchins announced Wednesday that he is running for the seat as a Republican.