Campaign data shows state senator is leading fundraiser in race for public lands commissioner

Nov. 15—State Sen. Kevin Van De Wege, D-Lake Sutherland, is now the leading fundraiser in the race to be Washington's next public lands commissioner.

According to filings with the Public Disclosure Commission (PDC), Van De Wege has raised $164,000 as of Tuesday. Former Third Congressional District Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, a Republican, has raised the second most at $152,000.

King County Council Member Dave Upthegrove, a Democrat, has raised $115,000 as of Tuesday morning. In a phone call with The Chronicle, Upthegrove said he has been "pleasantly surprised by the strong response."

"I think we're on track to have the resources we need to win," Upthegrove said.

Four other candidates have reported fundraising totals to the PDC in a race to succeed outgoing Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz, who shifted gears last week from a 2024 gubernatorial campaign to a bid for Congress. These include:

—Washington state Senate Deputy Majority Leader Rebecca Saldaña, a Democrat who has raised $79,000

—Former state senator Mona Das, a Democrat who has raised $57,000

—Department of Natural Resources Director of Tribal Relations Patrick DePoe, a Democrat who has raised $52,000

—Sue Kuehl Pederson, the 2020 Republican nominee for commissioner of public lands, has raised $2,200

For the latest fundraising totals, visit https://tinyurl.com/j3jyuy2t.