Tom Pasma, former candidate for the 40th District position being vacated by retiring Rep. Dave Quall, has endorsed fellow Democrat Kristine Lytton.

“It has been an honor for me to run for the 40th District state representative seat that Dave Quall has filled so well for 18 years,” Pasma said in a press release. “Dave has worked tirelessly for the district and for the people of the state. And most of all, Dave always worked for the kids. I know that no one can really replace him.

“I had hoped to bring my passion and commitment to the hard-working people of the 40th District to the Legislature, but after the returns from Skagit on Monday it is clear that won’t happen now. I have been a Democrat my whole life and I will not give up on those values. But it is time to concede this race and to endorse Kris Lytton for state representative for the 40th District. It is vitally important that we have a strong Democrat to fill the seat vacated by Dave Quall. I have called Kris with this message and to wish her well as her campaign goes forward.

“I want to thank all my friends and supporters across the district. And a special thanks to my hard-working campaign team – we ran an honorable race on the issues we believe in. I am proud of our campaign.”

Lytton, a Democrat and president of the Anacortes School Board, topped the field of nine candidates with 8,834 votes in the Aug. 17 primary, according to results updated Aug. 25. Republican Mike Newman, a Mount Vernon real estate agent active in community activities, placed second with 5,855. They advance to the Nov. 2 general election. Pasma, a rancher in Bow, finished third with 5,279 votes.