MOSES LAKE - Grant County District Court Judge Tyson Hill officially announced Monday he will run in November's election.

Hill, who was appointed in July to a newly-created third district court judge position by the county commissioners, previously served as county deputy prosecutor. He will need to be elected in November to continue serving as district court judge.

"I am passionate about our justice system and the impact it has on our community," he said. "I've really enjoyed the work so far but I'm just getting started."

The candidate filing period doesn't begin until May 12, but Hill said he and his election committee have already been busy. The Committee to Elect Tyson Hill has more than 100 members and has already raised more than $10,000 in cash and in-kind contributions, Hill said. His endorsements include Sheriff Tom Jones, Rep. Matt Manweller, Prosecutor Angus Lee, Clerk Kim Allen, legislative candidates Tom Dent and Dani Bolyard, Grant County commissioners, as well as several judges from the state Supreme Court and Division III Court of Appeals.

"I'm looking forward to this campaign," Hill said. "It gives me an opportunity to meet with a lot of people, share my views, listen to concerns and answer questions. It's important that the people in our county be able to trust our local justice system."

During his time as deputy prosecutor, Hill was recognized for his involvement in the prosecution of David Nickels for the murder of Ephrata resident Sage Munro. Hill said he has also argued cases before the state Supreme Court and Division III Court of Appeals.

Hill was appointed to the county's Civil Service Commission and the Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorney's Appellate Committee, where he served until his appointment to the bench.

Hill received his undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University, his law degree from the University of Washington, and clerked for the state Supreme Court before moving to Grant County.

For more information on Hill, visit his campaign website at www.TysonRHill.com.