Kevin Ranker won 74 percent of the vote of 40th Legislative District Democrats today in his bid for state Senate.

The endorsement comes on the heels of endorsements from the Washington Education Association, Skagit County Commissioner Ken Dahlstedt, Anacortes Mayor Dean Maxwell, and others.

“Our campaign put a lot of work into reaching out to 40th LD Democrats throughout the region,” Ranker said in a press release. “I am very pleased with the outcome … it goes to show that there is no replacement for a hard-working grassroots campaign.”

Ranker’s campaign reported raising $28,167 in May, nearly double the amount raised ($14,953) by the second closest during the same period. This brings Ranker’s total campaign contributions to $39,990 and gained him a spot on Chris Mulick’s Tri-City Herald article naming him a “fund-raising standout” for May.

In addition to the success with fund-raising and endorsements, Ranker’s campaign is working hard at the grassroots level throughout the district, doorbelling hundreds of homes a week and hosting several events this month in each of the three counties in the district.

Ranker, a San Juan County Council member, has 15 years of professional experience in the private and public sectors, developing and advancing legislation, community development strategies and conservation initiatives. He was elected to the former Board of County Commissioners in 2004 and has promoted legislation on issues ranging from senior citizen and veterans’ needs, to agricultural preservation, health care, education and the environment.

He lives on San Juan Island with his wife and daughter.