Veteran files to run for Port of Olympia commission

Juqita “Gigi” McClure, an Army veteran, is seeking the Port of Olympia District 3 seat held by E.J. Zita, according to state Public Disclosure Commission data.

McClure, 52, grew up in Portland, Oregon, and spent 21 years in the Army, including a two-year tour at Fort Lewis. She retired from the military as a lieutenant colonel, McClure said Monday.

This is her first run for public office.

“I love a challenge,” she said.

Although her PDC filing shows her campaign address in Tenino — which largely is in District 1 — McClure’s residence is east of Tilley Road, which puts her in District 3.

McClure said she has served her country, served veterans and now wants to serve her community.

“This is my first step in doing that,” she said.

She said she has volunteered as a track and field coach in south Thurston County and Lewis County, but now it’s time to do more.

“My daughter encouraged me to do more,” she said. “It’s time to move up and do something else.”

But McClure said she’s still getting her campaign up to speed.

“I’m walking, not running,” she said.

Zita has filed to defend her District 3 seat, and longtime Commissioner Bill McGregor has filed to defend his District 2 seat, PDC data show. McGregor has yet to attract a challenger.

District 1 Commissioner Joe Downing is not up for election in 2017.

Zita is running for a full, four-year term this time. In 2015, after former Commissioner Sue Gunn resigned, Zita and radio station co-owner Jerry Farmer ran to complete the remainder of Gunn’s term.

This story was originally published March 28, 2017 at 1:35 PM with the headline "Veteran files to run for Port of Olympia commission."