State Rep. and Kirkland resident Roger Goodman announced early Monday morning that he will run for Congress in the 1st Congressional District instead of the 8th Congressional District. The democrat’s decision to switch comes on the heels of former 8th Congressional District democrat Jay Inslee’s announcement that he will run for Washington State governor.

“Today I filed my statement of candidacy for election to the United States Congress, running from the 1st Congressional District, where my family has always made our home,” the announcement stated. “My campaign for Congress attracted enough support to trigger the federal filing requirement back in late January of this year. I chose to file my statement of candidacy in the 8th Congressional District at that time, even though I reside in the adjacent 1st District.”

Goodman was initially set to run against two-term incumbent Dave Reichert in the 8th District, but will now run for the vacated seat. Democratic state Rep. Laura Ruderman and Republican James Watkins, who lost to Inslee last year by almost 20,000 votes, have filed to run for the 1st District seat.

The announcement continued: “I did not file in the 1st District at that time out of respect for my Democratic friend and colleague, Congressman Jay Inslee, who had been considering a run for Governor but had not yet decided.”

Inslee had set a press conference for later in the morning to officially announce his bid for Governor. Goodman has served 45th Legislative District since 2006.

“I am very encouraged by the enthusiastic response I’ve received thus far in my run for Congress,” said Goodman in the release. “Having achieved significant legislative victories during three terms in the State Legislature, I have championed the causes of children and working families and, as vice chair of the House Judiciary Committee I’ve worked successfully to improve public safety, to protect civil rights and to promote justice.”

One of Goodman’s most recent moves at the state House was as primary sponsor for a bill that was signed into law in May that imposes tougher DUI penalties. The new law lets the state use ignition interlock devices, which detect the alcohol in a driver’s breath, to crack down on drinking and driving.

“With an open Congressional seat now in my own backyard, my supporters and family have urged me to step up to the next level,” said Goodman. “The other Washington certainly needs a good dose of Washington State Common Sense, and I will bring my collaborative problem-solving style to Congress to address key national and global issues.”