Washington Gov. Jay Inlsee will not seek a fourth term in office.
The 72-year-old Democrat made the announcement Monday. Inslee was first elected in 2012 and became only the second governer elected to three consecutive terms.
"Serving the people as governor of Washington state has been my greatest honor. During a decade of dynamic change, we’ve made Washington a beacon for progress for the nation," he said in a statement. "I’m ready to pass the torch."
He made a bid for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020 on an environmental platform but gained little traction.
In a statement he touted what he described as accomplishments on climate policy, gun violence prevention and family leave benefits.
"Our last decade of Washington’s storied history is one of growth and innovation," Inslee wrote. "I am proud to have played a role in our state’s leadership on so many fronts."
“As governor, I have seen my role as inspiring our state ever forward and ever higher," Inslee continued. "I’m gratified to be able to say that this approach has worked to improve Washingtonians lives in many ways and many places."
Inslee pledged to continue fighting for the people of Washington for the remainder of his term.
“Now is the time to intensely focus on all we can accomplish in the next year and a half, and I intend to do just that," he added. "I look forward to continued partnership with legislators and community leaders to address Washington’s homelessness crisis, speed our efforts to expand behavioral health services, continue our fight against climate change, and continue making Washington a beacon of progress for all.”