Rep. Liz Pike, R-Camas, announced late Friday evening she is withdrawing from the race for Clark County council chair. She will finish her term as representative for the 18th District and retire from politics, according to an open letter Pike posted on Facebook.
Pike first announced she would seek the county chair seat in August, running against Marc Boldt who currently holds the position.
“Let’s build on current successes to become the premier economic engine for our region so that everyone prospers,” Pike said in August.
She said after her 58th birthday she “realized I want to spend more time with the people I love,” according to her post. “I’ve been truly blessed with the best friends and family a girl could ever have.”
Pike did not immediately respond to The Columbian’s request for comment Saturday.
“The time has come for me to embark on a new chapter of opportunity and adventure that does not involve elective politics or government agencies,” the post continues. “Therefore, I am no longer a candidate for Clark County council chair.”
Pike said after the legislature adjourns its short session March 8, she will send refund information to the more than 150 supporters who contributed to her campaign for county chair. She’s raised $26,809 to date.
“Serving the people in elective office has been one of the highest honors of my life,” she said. “I could not have served without the support of my family and friends.”
Clark County Republican Party Chair David Gellatly said he wishes her the best of luck but is not surprised to hear Pike’s announcement.
“I had heard talk of it before, but certainly wasn’t expecting it,” Gellatly said.
Pike was previously part of a 2015 write-in campaign for the chair position bankrolled by former county Councilor David Madore to beat out Boldt. Ultimately Pike decided to not campaign for the position despite hundreds of thousands of dollars invested in the effort to help her win the seat.
“I’ve stayed true to my word. I have kept the promises I made to the people who elected me,” Pike said. “I’ve worked very hard and I did the very best I could to solve serious challenges facing our region and state. There is more work to be done by new, courageous leaders with conviction to stand up for the people.”
Boldt wished Pike the best on Facebook.
“We have much more good between us than campaign stuff,” Boldt said. “You had moved the conversation both in Camas and Olympia for those you serve. I do and always will value your voice.”
Pike is finishing her third term as a member of the House of Representatives. She was first appointed in the summer of 2012 before winning the election in November. She previously served on the Camas City Council from 2003-2007.
She also operates Shangri-La Farm, an organic farm in Fern Prairie, north of Camas.
