Sen. Brian Hatfield, D-Raymond, announced that he has resigned from the Washington state Senate to become the sector leader for Rural Economic Development for Gov. Jay Inslee, according to a news release.
Since 2006, Hatfield has represented the 19th district and served as the ranking member of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Economic Development and Natural Resources and Parks committees. Prior to that, he served in the House of Representatives from 1994 to 2004. In the two years between holding the offices, Hatfield was the legislative and community relations Liaison to Lieutenant Gov. Brad Owen.
“It’s truly been a privilege to serve the people of the 19th district and it’s with a heavy heart that I leave this office,” he said in the release. “But I will continue to serve the state in a new role and I’m excited to continue my work in rural economic development for Washington.”
Before running for office, Hatfield served as a legislative aide to Sen. Arlie DeJarnatt and Sen. Sid Snyder from 1989 to 1994.
“I’m proud of my work to bring jobs and economic opportunity to my part of the state and other rural areas that are too often overlooked,” he said. “Our state is large and diverse and I tried to focus on a balanced approach that looked out for all Washingtonians no matter where in the state they lived.”
