3 Leading Candidates Vie to Replace Retiring Rep. McDermott

SEATTLE (AP) — The three leading candidates to replace U.S. Rep. Jim McDermott are beginning a push to distinguish themselves in Washington's deeply liberal 7th Congressional District.

McDermott was first elected in 1988 and is serving his 14th term in Congress. The Democrat announced he would not seek re-election in early January, surprising many by his announcement.

State Sen. Pramila Jayapal, State Rep. Brady Walkinshaw and King County Councilman Joe McDermott — no relation to the congressman — are the big Democratic names among six declared candidates.

The district encompasses much of Seattle but reaches north past Edmonds and south to Normandy Park and Vashon Island.

Edmonds businessman Jeff Stilwell, community activist and political adviser Donovan Rivers and former Burien Mayor Arun Jhaveri, are also running.