The race for retiring Rep. Brian Baird’s (D) seat grew by at least two this week, with a top Republican and a top Democratic contender entering the contest.

State Sen. Craig Pridemore (D) announced Tuesday that he is getting into the race, and State Rep. Jaime Herrera (R), who had been expected to run, also officially announced her campaign.

Both candidates join an ever-expanding field in Baird’s district, which both Democrats and Republicans will target in 2010. State Rep. Deb Wallace (D) said she was in the race soon after Baird’s retirement announcement last week, and anti-war activist Cheryl Crist has filed in the past few days. Former Bush administration official David Castillo (R), accountant David Hedrick (R) and Washougal City Councilman Jon Russell (R) have all filed for the race already.