24th District State Representative Steve Tharinger to Retire After 16 Years

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Steve Tharinger, the 24th District State Representative, has announced that he will not run for reelection, ending his 16-year career representing the North Olympic Peninsula in Olympia. Tharinger, a Port Townsend Democrat, was first elected in 2010 and has served eight terms in the state House. He has recently been working remotely while recovering from medical issues.

Why it matters

Tharinger's retirement marks the end of an era for the 24th Legislative District, which includes Clallam and Jefferson counties and part of Grays Harbor County. As the chair of the House Capital Budget Committee, Tharinger has overseen billions of dollars in spending on important public projects across Washington state.

The details

In his announcement, Tharinger thanked residents for the opportunity to serve and said he's proud of the work lawmakers accomplished on job creation, health care, and infrastructure projects during his time in office. Before joining the Legislature, Tharinger spent more than a decade in local government, including service as a Clallam County commissioner.

• Tharinger was first elected to the state House in 2010.
• Tharinger has served eight terms in the 24th Legislative District.
• Tharinger recently has been working remotely while recovering from medical issues.