Republican Pierce County Councilman Shawn Bunney announced his candidacy for the state legislature in the 31st Legislative District, Position 1.

Rep. Dan Roach, R-Bonney Lake, currently holds the seat, but he plans to run for Bunney’s council seat in the fall, although Roach has not made an official declaration yet.

Bunney’s tenure on the council ends Dec. 31 due to term limits.

According to a press release, Bunney is endorsed by state Attorney General Rob McKenna, U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert, 8th District, Pierce County Council Chair Roger Bush, Auburn Mayor Pete Lewis, Sumner Mayor Dave Enslow, Bonney Lake Mayor Neil Johnson, Edgewood Mayor Jeff Hogan and Enumclaw Council member Mike Ennis.

During his time on the county council Bunney served as council chair and was co-chair of the Lake Tapps Task Force.

Prior to working for the county, Bunney served as a White House intern with President Reagan and worked for U.S. Treasury Secretary Nicholas Brady. Bunney, an Eagle Scout, received his law degree from the University of Puget Sound in 1993.

Bunney and his wife Patti have lived in the Lake Tapps area for 15 years.

An expanded version of this story will follow.