Jamie Stephens, San Juan County Council member District 3 – Lopez, announced he is hoping to fill the position left vacant when state Sen. Ranker, D-Orcas, resigned on Jan. 11.

“I am throwing my hat in the ring and see how far it goes,” Stephens said. He has lived on Lopez Island for 14 years.

Ranker’s senate position was District 40, which includes portions of Whatcom and Skagit counties as well as all of San Juan County.

On Feb. 2, Whatcom County, Skagit and San Juan representatives will decide on three names, according to Stephens. Those precinct committee officers will then have to agree on one name for Gov. Jay Inslee to appoint.

Stephens said he believes he has the experience and understands the system, having served on a number of committees in Olympia, including mental health and drug addiction, as a county liaison.

“When Kristine Lytton announced she would not run again, one of the many reasons was that she no longer has the energy,” Stephens noted. “I’m not like that, I have energy.”