Battle Ground Republican Rep. Greg Cheney said he will run for the 18th District Washington state Senate seat currently held by Sen. Ann Rivers.
Republican Rivers said Friday that she will not seek reelection.
“For more than a decade, District 18 has had thoughtful leadership, willing to work across party lines to solve problems, and working to ensure that our community has a voice in Olympia,” Cheney said in a news release. “As I complete my freshman term in the House of Representatives, I hope to carry that spirit and my own record of constituent-focused service into the state Senate to ensure my neighbors have a representative who focuses on the issues that impact them most.”
Cheney, a practicing attorney, was elected to the 18th District in 2022. As a lawmaker, he has focused on addressing mental health and homelessness issues; working to stem rising crime; promoting job creation and workforce development in higher education; and increasing transparency in the justice system and elections.
During the last legislative session, Cheney served as a ranking member on the State Government and Tribal Relations committee. Multiple bills he sponsored and co-sponsored were signed into law, including House Bill 2032, which requires “paid for by” disclosures on large political yard signs, and House Bill 1962, which streamlines the voter registration process for individuals moving within Washington.
“The type of projects I was able to help deliver and the body of legislative policy work I was able to pass is reflective of the approach I’ve used to advocate for my district — with common sense, thoughtfulness, and basic decency,” Cheney stated.
In his Senate race, Cheney said he will focus on lowering property taxes, ensuring access to mental health treatment and advocating for safer communities.
“For our community, it all comes down to livability,” Cheney stated. “That means affordability, quality schools and parks, high-paying jobs, roads in good repair, and crime off our streets. If I’m returned to Olympia as our next state senator, those livability issues will be the core focus of my legislative work.”
