Prosser city councilwoman will seek seat in state House of Representatives

A Prosser city councilwoman has announced her intention to run for the seat in the state House of Representatives being vacated by state Rep. Maureen Walsh.

Mary Ruth Edwards made the announcement at a recent meeting of the Benton County Republican Party Central Committee, a news release said.

Edwards said that she came to her decision after speaking with Walsh and with Prosser Mayor Randy Taylor, whom Edwards said “he’d give me a swift kick in the pants if I didn’t run for state representative at this time.”

Walsh, a Republican from College Place, has announced her intention to seek the seat of state Sen. Mike Hewitt, R-Walla Walla, who will retire when his term ends at the end of 2016.

Edwards challenged Walsh in 2012 and 2014 for her seat in the 16th Legislative District. The district largely covers Walla Walla County, but also communities such as Dayton, Finley, Benton City and Prosser.

This story was originally published April 10, 2016 at 8:18 PM with the headline "Prosser city councilwoman will seek seat in state House of Representatives."