Lt. Gov. Brad Owen announced on Tuesday he won’t be seeking re-election, marking the end of a career that has spanned four decades in state politics.
Although Owen’s decision was expected, the speech he gave before the state Senate was emotional nonetheless. Owen choked up several times, as did other senators who praised and thanked the lieutenant governor for his service.
Owen, a Democrat, was first elected to the state House in 1976. He was elected to the Senate in 1983 and became lieutenant governor in 1996. He was re-elected to the position four times and is currently the longest-serving lieutenant governor in the nation.
Owen shared highlights from his career, but also used the platform to encourage lawmakers to put aside the “insanity of partisan politics.”
“All it does is create an environment of ‘us against them’ instead of ‘all of us for the people,’ ” Owen said.
The lieutenant governor presides over the Senate and acts as governor when the state’s top official is unable to do so. Owen used the seat to promote an anti-drug message in schools and to bolster trade with other countries.
State Rep. Jim Moeller, D-Vancouver, has joined a growing field of candidates vying for Owen’s post. Eight candidates have declared they are seeking to replace Owen. Moeller is giving up the seat he’s held for more than a decade to run for lieutenant governor.
“I have known Brad since I joined the Legislature and have watched him bring dignity and decorum to the Senate chambers,” Moeller said in a statement. “Every member of the Senate knew that he would base his rulings fairly and not on a partisan basis. He will be missed.”
Longtime Republican Sen. Don Benton, R-Vancouver, who is also not seeking re-election, noted the two have a long history in the state Capitol. Benton’s voice broke several times while he spoke fondly of Owen.
When Benton was a new lawmaker, he said Owen was “kind, gentle,” adding that Owen’s “wisdom was remarkable.”
Owen’s term ends in January.
“Nearly 20 years ago, I took a much underused office and with the help of many people that worked in my office over the years, made something significant out of it that I’m very proud of,” Owen said in his prepared remarks.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
