Murray says he'll run for state Senate

OLYMPIA — Democratic Rep. Ed Murray of Seattle said today he's leaving the House to run for the state Senate.

Murray represents District 43, which includes Capitol Hill, Wallingford and parts of Fremont. He's running for the Senate seat in his district currently held by Sen. Pat Thibaudeau, D-Seattle.

Thibaudeau, 73, said she will not step aside, and plans to fight for her office. "He's done a good job in the House. I think I've done a good job," said Thibaudeau, who has served in the Senate since 1995.

Murray, 50, has served in the House since 1995 and worked his way to become chair of the Transportation Committee, one of the most powerful positions in the Legislature. Murray was a key player in pushing through an $8.5 billion transportation tax package last year, which included the largest gas tax increase in state history.

He's also considered the lawmaker largely responsible for pushing through a law this year that bans discrimination against gays and lesbians.

Murray's bid for the Senate puts his old House seat up for grabs, as well as the chairmanship of the Transportation Committee.

"This isn't about Pat," Murray said of his decision. "This is about what I feel I need to do and I feel my constituents need."