State Sen. Harriet Spanel, D-Bellingham, announced today that she is endorsing Ken Henderson in the race for the 40th District Senate seat.

Spanel’s upcoming retirement spawned a field of six candidates for the position. Candidates include San Juan County Councilman Kevin Ranker and former state Rep. Steve Van Luven of Samish Island.

In a press release, Spanel said she has been friends with Henderson — a former Whatcom County Council member — for many years, and that she “respects him and knows that he will represent the 40th District well.” She said his years of experience and service to our communities “illustrate his commitment to act on the issues of importance to the district.”

She added, “Ken’s views on many issues are similar to mine and I appreciate his willingness to listen and his follow through.”

Spanel said the 40th District is “fortunate to have good candidates who took the risk and stepped up to run.” In particular, she notes that Ken Henderson and Kevin Ranker have shown that they have the ability to run strong campaigns and would serve the district well.

“I encouraged both to run when they expressed an interest to me last spring. Their styles are different and I respect them both.”

The primary election is Aug. 19. The two top vote-getters, regardless of party, will advance to the Nov. 4 general election.