Governor Jay Inslee Endorses Jenny Durkan for Mayor

Democratic Governor Jay Inslee has endorsed Jenny Durkan for mayor. The governor made the announcement in the above video just released by Durkan's campaign.

Inslee says Durkan "has progressive values and she's fought for them ever since she was a baggage handler and a Teamster up in Alaska."

"Having those values isn't enough," Inslee says in the video. "You need someone who knows how to bring people together. We need a mayor that combines progressive values with, second, the ability to get things done."

Inslee praises Durkan's proposals for free community college and tiny houses for people experiencing homelessness.

Though Durkan is a first time candidate, she has a long history with the state's Democratic Party establishment. She is a close friend and counsel to the family of former governor Christine Gregoire. In 2005, Durkan represented the state Democratic Party when Republican gubernatorial candidate Dino Rossi challenged his narrow loss to Gregoire.

Inslee previously endorsed former mayor Ed Murray, who resigned after allegations of sexual abuse. (Murray denies the allegations.) Murray had also endorsed Durkan, though she has since removed his endorsement from her website.