The state’s former attorney general recently endorsed Rick Hannold for Island County commissioner.

Rob McKenna was in Oak Harbor earlier this month to attend a Republican fundraiser. In addition to being a two-term state attorney general, McKenna was a candidate for governor in 2012, losing to Democrat Jay Inslee by a margin of about 3%. McKenna had support from moderates on both side of the aisle as a candidate, as he was a pro-choice fiscal conservative with strong support from law enforcement.

Hannold said he spoke to McKenna at the event and was surprised that the former attorney general had done a lot of research into his record as a county commissioner prior to offering his endorsement. Hannold was a county commissioner in District 3 for a term, losing to Janet St. Clair in the 2018 election.

“Rick is exceptionally well qualified to serve on the Island County Commission again,” McKenna said, according to a statement from Hannold’s campaign. “He is a fiscal conservative with the right experience and right principles. I strongly endorse him for this position.”

Hannold said he was humbled by the endorsement.

“This county needs the fiscal experience that I will bring to the office,” he said. “I look forward to the challenges facing the county and will work to ensure the economic benefits for all of our citizens.”

Hannold will face fellow Republican Tim Hazelo and St. Clair in the primary election.