Race for Tharinger’s Seat Begins to Take Shape

Makah Leader Patrick DePoe Launches State House Bid in LD24

On Tuesday, Patrick Finedays DePoe rolled out a campaign for the Washington State House in the 24th Legislative District, seeking to replace retiring Rep. Steve Tharinger (D-Port Townsend). An enrolled tribal member, DePoe lives on the Makah Reservation on the northwestern tip of Washington. He has served on the Makah Tribal Council, and in intergovernmental leadership with other tribes in the state."I was tapped on the shoulder by tribal leader…

Race for Tharinger’s Seat Begins to Take Shape

PORT ANGELES — The race to replace longtime 24th District lawmaker Steve Tharinger is beginning to take shape, with candidates now stepping forward from both sides of the aisle. Patrick DePoe, a Neah Bay resident and Makah tribal member, is running for the seat. DePoe currently serves as Executive Director of the Association of Washington Tribes and previously mounted a statewide campaign for lands commissioner in 2024. He says his decision to r…