Nurse to run for state Legislature. She’ll represent part of Benton County and Pasco

A Walla Walla nurse announced Friday she plans to run for the 16th Legislative District seat now held by Bill Jenkin, R-Prosser.

Frances Chvatal, a Democrat, should be on the August primary election ballot.

Jenkin has announced that he will be a candidate for the 16th District Senate seat now held by Sen. Maureen Walsh, R-Walla Walla, who plans to retire this year.

The 16th District includes much of southern Benton County and Pasco, plus Walla Walla and Columbia counties.

Chvatal’s nursing career has included 22 years as a clinical nurse leader and four years as a quality analyst for Providence St. Mary Medical Center in Walla Walla.

A native of Walla Walla, she grew up on a farm in Touchet and graduated from Washington State University.

She is interested in health care as a human right, the region’s agricultural economy, education, a strong economy, civil rights and reducing gun violence, according to her campaign website, electfrances.com.