Sen. Saldaña says cancer won’t keep her from public lands race

OLYMPIA — State Sen. Rebecca Saldaña, D-Seattle, is staying in the race for state commissioner of public lands while she undergoes treatment for ovarian cancer, she said Saturday.

Saldaña, 46, was diagnosed Oct. 27 and had a radical hysterectomy that day. She began chemo Nov. 29.

In a phone interview, Saldaña, who has represented the 37th legislative district, composed largely of South Seattle, since 2016, said she was feeling “really strong and a little fatigued.”

She participated remotely as lawmakers gathered in Olympia this past week for a set of committee meetings ahead of the 2024 legislative session, which begins Jan. 8.

She said she plans to be in person during the session and wear a mask, and her office will probably go back to COVID-style protocols, asking visitors to wear masks and holding some meetings remotely.

“My office will be available,” Saldaña said. “I feel like we have a strong team to make sure that the 37th (district) constituents and the people that I’m working with actively on policy will have the support and leadership they need from me.”

Saldaña is one of seven candidates running to replace Hilary Franz.