OLYMPIA — The packed race for state commissioner of public lands narrowed Thursday when Rebecca Saldaña, a Democrat and state senator from Seattle, suspended her campaign, citing financial challenges.
In a statement, Saldaña said she believed she was “still the best candidate in the race to take on the Republicans and win and the best person to govern for long-term success.”
But, she continued, she had cancer, and faced a fundraising freeze during the 2024 legislative session, which ended in early March. Saldaña was diagnosed with cancer in late October and began chemotherapy about a month later, she said in early December.
“These hurdles impacted our campaign in finances only,” she said. “I’ve never felt stronger or more clearheaded about my priorities and mission.”
