The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

Sen. Brian Hatfield, D-Raymond, announced Tuesday that he has left the Washington State Senate to become the Sector Lead for Rural Economic Development for the Governor.

Hatfield has represented the 19th Legislative District in the Senate since 2006. He served in the House of Representatives from 1994 through 2004. He most recently served as the ranking member on the Senate Agriculture & Rural Economic Development and Natural Resources & Parks committees.

"It's truly been a privilege to serve the people of the 19th district and it's with a heavy heart that I leave this office," Hatfield said in a Tuesday news release. "But I will continue to serve the state in a new role and I'm excited to continue my work in rural economic development for Washington."

Hatfield served as a legislative aide to Sen. Arlie DeJarnatt and Sen. Sid Snyder from 1989 to 1994. He also served as the Legislative and Community Relations Liaison to Lieutenant Gov. Brad Owen from 2004 to 2006 before joining the Senate.

Hatfield specialized in rural economic development and natural resource issues in the Legislature over the past decade. He has served on the Community Economic Revitalization Board since 2007.

"I'm proud of my work to bring jobs and economic opportunity to my part of the state and other rural areas that are too often overlooked," Hatfield said. "Our state is large and diverse, and I tried to focus on a balanced approach that looked out for all Washingtonians no matter where in the state they lived."