Probst considering run for Senate against Benton

State Rep. Tim Probst, D-Vancouver, said on Tuesday that he is considering a run for the 17th District state Senate seat currently held by Don Benton, R-Vancouver.

Probst said he needs to think the decision over with his family before making up his mind. He is considering whether moving to the Senate would give him greater influence as he tries to pass reforms to improve the state’s economy.

Probst began serving in the Washington state House of Representatives in 2008. Benton was elected to the Washington state Senate in 1996 after serving two years in the House.

Benton has said that he will seek re-election.