Bolyard runs for state rep seat

COULEE CITY - Coulee City resident and former Grant County Republican Party Chairwoman Dani Bolyard officially announced Thursday she is running for the 13th District House of Representatives seat currently held by Rep. Judy Warnick, who is seeking a state Senate seat.

Bolyard, a conservative Republican, has held several positions representing Grant County and the Fourth Congressional District including precinct committee officer and Republican State Committee executive board member, working with the grassroots efforts of the party.

Bolyard said she has worked with both voters and leaders from all groups within the Republican party's political spectrum and has been instrumental in forming two programs for teenagers interested in politics, including the Grant County Teenage Republicans and at the state level, co-founded a Teen Page program to encourage participation in caucuses and conventions as an introduction to the political process.

"I take the role of representing my neighbors seriously," she said. "Communication is the key. When I can share with you the topics we're discussing in the Legislature, I then have the privilege of hearing your concerns and hopes for this region and will know how to vote on your behalf."

Bolyard shares a fifth-generation cattle ranch with her husband and daughter. She holds two degrees in architecture from Washington State University and works in both the regional library system and as a freelance journalist. She is a former freelancer and proofreader for the Columbia Basin Herald.

She has managed businesses in the retail and hospitality industries, as well as founding three start-up ventures.

Bolyard joins Moses Lake businessman Tom Dent as candidates to replace Warnick, who announced last week she will make a run for the state Senate seat currently held by Sen. Janea Holmquist Newbry, who is running for Congress.