By Dennis Box

For The Courier-Herald

Just as one political season comes to a close, the next begins as Nancy E. Wyatt announced her intention to challenge Rep. Geoff Simpson, D-Covington, for the 47th District State House Position No. 1.

The 47th covers portions of southeast King County including much of Black Diamond, Covington, Kent and the Renton Highlands.

Wyatt’s press release stated she lives in unincorporated King County and is running as a Republican.

The 51-year-old candidate said this was her first attempt at running for political office.

“I helped on a few campaigns in the past, “ Wyatt said. “The position I’m going after is a longtime incumbent and it’s time to get new blood in.”

Wyatt said she is currently working as president and chief executive officer of the Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce and has been in the position for nearly four years.

“I’m excited for this campaign and ready to dive in head-first,” Wyatt stated in her release. “I feel I have a lot to give back to this community. Boeing’s choice of South Carolina over Puget Sound was a real wake-up call for our district and the state. We need legislators who are ready to fight to keep good jobs in Washington.”

Wyatt and husband Greg, a Boeing employee, have lived in unincorporated King County for 15 years. They have two children. She also served as president/CEO of the Covington Chamber of Commerce for six years and served on the Covington Economic Development Council.