Government

Gig Harbor’s Hutchins announces campaign for state representative

Spencer Hutchins announced Wednesday 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. Hutchins is a lifelong resident of the Kitsap Peninsula co-owner of a local real estate company.

“It would be the honor of a lifetime to serve our community,” he said in a press release. “As a parent, business owner and lifelong member of our community, I feel an obligation to step forward. Our state faces daunting challenges, and I am focused on working for a brighter future for us all.”

Spencer Hutchins Courtesy photo

Hutchins, who served on the Gig Harbor City Council from 2017-2019, expressed gratitude for the support he has received from local leaders, including endorsements by state Reps. Michelle Caldier, R-Port Orchard, and Young, and former state Sen. Jan Angel, who represented the 26th District in the Legislature from 2009 to 2019.

“I have personally known Spencer for over 15 years, and I have found him to be one of the most honorable men I know,” Angel was quoted in the release. “He is honest, trustworthy, kind, very considerate and a great listener — all traits that will make him an outstanding representative of the people.”

Hutchins emphasized that the state must change course.

“I am running because regular people are feeling more and more that the state doesn’t value what is important to us and doesn’t understand our needs,” he said.

Hutchins said the Legislature is not listening to the people it represents. At a time when the state government has brought in record tax revenue, while many have struggled under difficult pandemic conditions, Hutchins said citizens shouldn’t be forced to pay even more.

“Voters have consistently said no to new taxes, but the Legislature keeps stacking them up,” he said. “I will push to eliminate irresponsible taxes and reduce the burden on all of us.”

On community safety, Hutchins called for common sense policies.

“Anyone can see that crime is on the rise, and we know why. Seattle defunded first responders, and the state government has hampered them from doing their jobs,” Hutchins said. “People are asking themselves, ‘Does this feel like the home I know and love?’ It doesn’t seem like it.” He said the state must give back to law enforcement the tools they need to protect our communities.

Hutchins, a Republican, lives in Gig Harbor with his wife Christie and their two children, Rory and Sabrina.

The primary election will be held on Aug. 2, and the general election on Nov. 8.