San Juan County Councilman Kevin Ranker has been endorsed for state Senate by Sen. Maria Cantwell and Rep. Rick Larsen.

Ranker is the Democratic nominee; former state representative Steve Van Luven of Samish Island is on the Nov. 4 ballot as the Republican nominee.

“In my experience working with Kevin Ranker on a variety of issues, I believe he will be able to make an immediate impact as a state senator by improving the quality of life of the people he represents,” Cantwell said in a press release.

Retiring senator Harriet Spanel, state Rep. Dave Quall and state Rep. Jeff Morris are hosting an event for Ranker tonight at the Skagit River Brewery in Mount Vernon, 5-7 p.m.

In addition, the State Labor Council endorsed Ranker last week. “Kevin Ranker understands the needs of our region,” Dave Warren, president of the Northwest Regional Labor Council, said in a press release. “He will work to uphold the dignity of our workers, the character of our communities, and the strength of our local economy.”