Democrat Sharry Edwards drops out of Federal Way-area House race

A three-person race for a Federal Way-area House seat just got less competitive.

Democrat Sharry Edwards announced Sunday she is ending her campaign to represent Washington’s 30th Legislative District, throwing her support instead behind fellow Democrat Kristine Reeves.

Edwards, 43, had set out earlier this year to unseat state Rep. Teri Hickel, R-Federal Way. But in a news release Sunday, Edwards said the timing was not right for her campaign.

Edwards — a licensed practical nurse — said she plans to “continue to serve our community in other ways,” including by helping the homeless.

“The race has another great candidate. I believe that she is highly qualified and will serve our district well,” Edwards said, referring to Reeves.

Reeves, 35, works as director of economic development for the state Department of Commerce’s military and defense sector. She used to work as a staff member for U.S. Sen. Patty Murray.

Hickel, 55, won election to the House last year, defeating appointed state Rep. Carol Gregory, a Democrat.

This story was originally published May 1, 2016 at 10:46 PM with the headline "Democrat Sharry Edwards drops out of Federal Way-area House race."