Redmond Councilman Myers to Run for Eddy's State House Seat

Redmond City Council member has announced he plans to run for the seat of Kirkland state Rep. Deb Eddy in the 48th Legislative District.

Myers, a Republican, is currently in his second term on the city council and said in a news release that he's running "to put Washington’s state budget, economy and education back on the path to success."

“I’m running because we can’t hand another vote in Olympia to the status quo and expect change,” Myers said in the release. “The Eastside has been a great place for us to live and raise our family, and we need to ensure everyone has an opportunity to prosper and enjoy what our area has to offer.” 

Myers, who has lived in Redmond since 1976, owns his own transportation consulting company, which managed the Commute Trip Reduction program under contract for four years. He also serves as a forest steward with the Green Redmond program and is on the executive board of Redmond-based .

“My work as a transportation consultant for Microsoft and other firms, running a small business and volunteering with local conservation and health organizations has given me first-hand experience with this wonderful place where we live," Myers said. "I also see the challenges—schools that need to do better at helping students grow and succeed, an economy that struggles to provide our children with opportunities and a dysfunctional budget process in Olympia that burdens them before they’ve even had a chance to get started.”

Rep. Eddy, a Democrat, . According to the King County Department of Elections, Myers' only opponent will be Democrat Cyrus Habib.

Before deciding to run, Myers said he had been meeting with a group of fellow Republicans who were trying to recruit a candidate to run for Eddy's seat. They were trying to find a Republican with business experience who was also involved in civic causes and supported more liberal-leaning social values.

Myers, who supports gay marriage and abortion rights, said eventually one of his fellow Republicans convinced him to become the candidate. Although he represents a different party, Myers said Eddy has been a admirable legislator who has stood up for what she believes in.

"I'm trying to channel Deb Eddy (in the campaign)," he said.

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Editor's note: This story was revised at 5:50 p.m. Friday to include additional comments from Myers and at 9:05 a.m. Saturday to include updated information from King County Elections.