This year, few Washington races have grabbed as much attention as the one for Commissioner of Public Lands. 

The commissioner heads the state Department of Natural Resources, which oversees more than $450 million in revenue and more than 5.5 million acres of public land. The agency is in charge of wildfire preparedness, forest management, and the protection of critical habitat throughout the state. 

After a crowded primary and a recount decided by just 49 votes, the top two candidates voters will be asked to decide on are Republican Jaime Herrera-Beutler and Democrat Dave Upthegrove.

Jaime Herrera-Beutler is a former congresswoman representing Washington’s 3rd congressional district in the southwest part of the state. She served from 2011 to 2023. 

Dave Upthegrove is chair of the King County Council, which he has served on for 10 years. 

They both joined Soundside host Libby Denkmann this week for a lively debate on the future of public lands. 

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Guests:

• Jaime Herrera-Beutler, former congresswoman and Republican candidate for Commissioner of Public Lands.
• Dave Upthegrove, chair of the King County Council and Democratic candidate for Commissioner of Public Lands.