The Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce will host a gubernatorial candidate meet and greet Monday, with two candidates confirming their plans to attend.
The chamber invited five declared candidates to the event: former King County Sheriff and U.S. Rep. David Reichert, Washington state Sen. Mark Mullet, retired United States Department of Energy director and former Richland School Board member Misipati Semi Bird, state Attorney General Bob Ferguson and Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz.
Cynthia Mudge, executive director of the chamber, said so far Bird and Mullet will be at the meet and greet. Mudge said Ferguson declined and cited a scheduling conflict. As of Wednesday afternoon, neither Franz nor Reichart had responded to Mudge.
Each candidate will give a “brief presentation” during the event, according to a chamber press release.
Candidates are vying to replace outgoing Gov. Jay Inslee, who opted not to seek reelection. A primary election will be held Aug. 6, 2024.
The event will begin at 9 a.m. at The Station in Centralia, located at 120 S. Tower Ave. Attendees interested in purchasing food or beverages beforehand should arrive by 8:30 a.m.
