State Rep. Glenn Anderson Will Not Seek Re-Election

State Rep. Glenn Anderson (R-Fall City) announced he will not seek re-election for a seventh term as state representative serving the 5th Legislative District. The 5th District includes Issaquah, Sammamish, Snoqualmie Valley, Maple Valley, and parts of Renton and Kent. Anderson was first elected in 2000, and said in a statement released Dec. 28 that he will leave the state house at the completion of his term in 2012.

“It’s been an extraordinary gift and a privilege to be allowed to serve the citizens of our community. I’ve been extremely lucky that so many constituents, regardless of party affiliation, felt as though it was important to be engaged and have helped in many ways with all the issues I’ve been called on to deal with over the years,” Anderson said in the news release. “There is no substitute for participation when it comes to good government. The list of people who have sacrificed to be helpful to me, and their state, is very long.”

Anderson served on each of the Legislature’s major budget committees and was an advocate for getting performance audits of state agencies enacted into law. 

In 2004, Anderson served as Republican Floor Leader responsible for leading debate and parliamentary procedure during floor action in the House. In 2006, he served as president of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region, which is a U.S.-Canadian commonwealth of the five northwestern states and four western Canadian provinces dedicated to economic growth and quality-of-life issues. In 2007, he was awarded the “Washington General” merit designation for outstanding civil service to the state.

As a senior legislator, Anderson ranks 13th in seniority out of 98 House members.

Though not seeking re-election to the state House, Anderson said he hasn't ruled out future political office.

“While this chapter of public service is closing, the book is still open. I’ve had a lot of encouragement to run for higher office from both Republicans and Democrats and I’m strongly considering that option,” he said in the news release.