Jefferson County Commissioner Kate Dean is weighing a congressional campaign following U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer’s announcement that he will not seek another term.

“I’ve always wanted to be in Congress and I’ve always wanted this job,” Dean said of the open seat. “It’s where a lot of important issues are playing out. I’ve always been drawn to the larger policy issues. And Congress is a fascinating place, even as it is dysfunctional.”

It’s already an uphill battle. Kilmer announced his retirement on Nov. 9. The following day Washington Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz abandoned her gubernatorial campaign to run in the district. Franz received several immediate endorsements, including one from Kilmer.

“I’m disappointed with the political process,” Dean said. “It’s really unfortunate that powerful people are putting their thumbs on the scale. I respect Hilary Franz, but there are a lot of good Democrats who would like a chance at this.”

Dean, 49, was first elected as commissioner in 2016. She was unopposed for a second term in 2020. She has lived in Jefferson County since 1999. She has two children, Finn O’Donnell, 19, a junior at American University in Washington DC, and Rennie O’Donnell, 16, a junior at Port Townsend High School. Her husband, Rico Quirindongo, works for Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell.

“This is a great time for me to do this, as my kids enter the next phase of their lives,” she said.

Prior to her 2016 election, Dean worked as a farmer in several Jefferson County locations. Accordingly, she refers to herself as a normal middle-class person.

“There was a time when normal people could run for congress and win,” Dean said. “You didn’t need to have a lot of money. Today, electing people who are not wealthy is a rare thing.”

Dean said this still happens, pointing to U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Pérez.

“She is a real inspiration to me,” Dean said. “She’s a working mom who won her seat in an upset. She was not expected to win.”

Dean has acted as Jefferson County’s representative in Washington DC, dealing with federal processes as they relate to local government. As a county commissioner, Dean’s been involved with every federal issue (climate, the economy, the military) except international affairs.

Dean expects to make a decision to run for Kilmer’s seat by the end of the year. She is also up for reelection as commissioner in 2024, and would seek a third term if she does not run for Congress.