Kelbon Launches Independent Bid for State House in District 24

Quilcene Fire Commissioner Marcia Kelbon announces campaign for Washington's 24th Legislative District

Apr. 10, 2026 at 1:47am

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A solitary campaign sign or podium is bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, creating a cinematic, nostalgic mood that captures the essence of a local political outsider's independent bid for office.An independent candidate's campaign sign stands alone in the fading light, reflecting the quiet determination of a local political outsider.Quilcene Today

Marcia Kelbon, a Quilcene Fire Commissioner, has announced her independent campaign for Washington's 24th Legislative District, Position 2. Kelbon previously ran for the State Senate in 2024, advancing through the primary before losing in the general election. Now, she is shifting her focus to the House, campaigning on reducing taxes, improving housing affordability, and boosting job growth on the Olympic Peninsula.

Why it matters

Kelbon's independent bid for the open District 24 seat following Steve Tharinger's retirement adds a new dynamic to the race, as she brings a background as an engineer, attorney, and former business executive, as well as her experience as a Quilcene Fire Commissioner since 2022.

The details

In her prepared campaign announcement, Kelbon says rising costs are hitting both retirees and working families, and she's calling for a more balanced approach to taxes, environmental policy, and economic development. She also points to education funding, homelessness, and behavioral health as areas where the state needs more effective and accountable spending.

  • Kelbon announced her campaign on April 9, 2026.
  • She previously ran for the State Senate in 2024.

The players

Marcia Kelbon

A Quilcene Fire Commissioner who is running as an independent candidate for Washington's 24th Legislative District, Position 2.

Steve Tharinger

The incumbent in Washington's 24th Legislative District, Position 2, who is retiring.

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What they’re saying

“Rising costs are hitting both retirees and working families, and I'm calling for a more balanced approach to taxes, environmental policy, and economic development.”

— Marcia Kelbon, Candidate for Washington's 24th Legislative District

What’s next

Kelbon will continue her campaign leading up to the primary election, where she will face off against at least three other candidates for the open District 24 seat.

The takeaway

Kelbon's independent bid for the 24th Legislative District seat adds a new dynamic to the race, as she brings a unique background and experience to the table, and is campaigning on key issues like taxes, housing affordability, and job growth in the region.