The race for the 47th Legislative District Senate seat took a huge twist as Sen. Mona Das, D-Kent, announced on Facebook she won’t seek reelection and Kent City Councilmember Satwinder Kaur posted a few minutes she will run for the position.

That sets up a potential showdown between Kaur, a Democrat, and Kent City Council President Bill Boyce, a Republican, who announced in December 2021 that’s he’s running for the seat. The primary election is Aug. 2 and the general election Nov. 8. The King County Elections filing period is May 16-20.

“After much consideration, I have decided not to seek reelection for the Washington State Senate,” Das said March 23. “From national leadership on environment and climate, to critical progress on justice and equity, I am extremely proud of the work I have accomplished. I am excited to continue working to advance progressive ideas while empowering and inspiring more people of color into leadership through other avenues in my future.

“However, after spending time with my family this past week and after many reflective conversations, it has become clear that my family responsibility and financial obligations make it impossible for me to seek reelection. I simply am not spending the time with my family that I must. I also find it hard to meet my financial obligations on my state senator salary.”

Das, who makes an annual salary of $56,881 as a legislator, announced in December 2021 that she would run for a second four-year term.

The 47th District covers Kent’s East Hill as well as Covington, Black Diamond and portions of Auburn, Renton and Maple Valley.

Voters narrowly elected Das in November 2018 to a four-year term over Republican incumbent Joe Fain, of Auburn. Das received 50.79% of the vote while Fain had 49.03%. The final tally was 28,394 to 27,413 votes.

Kaur quickly posted on Facebook her plans.

“I just read the post from Sen. Mona Das announcing she is not running for reelection,” Kaur said. “First of all, I appreciate Sen. Das and all her service to her community. As many of you know, I have been looking to deepen my commitment to public service. This is an exciting opportunity and I want to let everyone know that I will be running for this seat.”

Kaur filed to run in 2020 for the 47th District seat held by State. Rep. Pat Sullivan, D-Covington, after he announced plans to retire. But Sullivan reentered the race a few months later and Kaur withdrew. Sullivan said last week he will not run for another two-year term, leaving that seat open this year.

Voters elected Kaur to the council in 2017 and reelected her in 2021 to another four-year term when she ran unopposed.

“It’s OK, I have no issue with that,” Boyce said in a phone interview about running against another council member.

Boyce also said that he wished Das well and agreed that spending time with family is important. Boyce ran unopposed for the council in 2015 and defeated Mizan Rahman in 2019 for a second four-year term. He served 16 years on the Kent School Board prior to leaving that seat after earning a council position.

Das said she’s proud of what she has accomplished in the Senate.

”While I am not done creating positive change for our communities and will continue to work tirelessly to make a difference, I will do it in other ways going forward,” Das said. “I am proud of our historic wins, leading the nation in eliminating single use plastics and styrofoam, working to create a circular economy, the work we’ve done to begin tackling our affordable housing crisis, and supporting our district’s economic vitality.

“Most of all, I am proud of the work we have accomplished to lift the voices of those who have been traditionally marginalized. Together, we have raised our voices and challenged the institutional norms of government, and….we have made a difference.”

Das said she looks forward to representing the district for the remainder of her term this year and will share her future service and opportunities later.

“Thank you for the incredible support and trust over the last four years,” Das said. “We have accomplished so much together. Serving you, has been the honor of a lifetime.”

With her win over Fain, Das ended his eight years in the Senate. Fain was first elected in 2010 when he beat one-term Democratic incumbent Claudia Kauffman 55% to 45%. He was reelected in 2014 when he defeated Democrat Carol Barber 64% to 36%.

Sen. Mona Das