Congressman Dicks Backs Derek Kilmer to Succeed Him
U.S. Representative Norm Dicks of Belfair today announced his endorsement of State Senator Derek Kilmer to succeed him as the Congressman representing the people of Washington’s Sixth Congressional District.
“Derek is someone who understands every part of this district because he’s lived it. He grew up on the Olympic Peninsula and graduated from Port Angeles High School. He works in Tacoma, helping to create jobs in our region, raises his family in Gig Harbor, and represents Gig Harbor, Bremerton, and Port Orchard,” said Congressman Norm Dicks.
“Derek’s career has been spent trying to retain and attract good jobs for our region and Congress needs more people with that kind of experience. He’s hard-working, effective, and he’s committed to bringing people together to get the job done,” added Congressman Norm Dicks.
Kilmer was also endorsed by Congressman Adam Smith of Tacoma, who represents the neighboring 9th Congressional District. Smith, who is the ranking Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, highlighted Kilmer’s advocacy on behalf of veterans.
“Derek Kilmer gets it,” said Rep. Smith. He’s been recognized by the Paralyzed Veterans of America, the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense for his work to ensure that military service members, veterans and their families are able to find housing, employment, educational opportunities, and run thriving businesses. In Congress, I know that Derek will continue to be a strong advocate for our veterans and the brave men and women of our armed forces and their families.”
Derek was born and raised in Port Angeles on the Olympic Peninsula, graduating from Port Angeles High School. He earned a bachelors’ degree in public policy from Princeton University and a doctoral degree from the University of Oxford in England. He was elected to the State Senate in 2006 with 59.9% of the vote and re-elected in 2010 with
58.8% of the vote, despite representing the most Republican legislative district of any Democrat in the Washington State Senate, spanning from Bremerton to the Narrows Bridge. Kilmer lives in Gig Harbor with his wife, Jen, and their two daughters Sophie and Tess. He works in Tacoma as the Vice President of the Economic Development Board for Tacoma-Pierce County.