With Rep. Jay Inslee (D) considering a run for governor, state Rep. Marko Liias (D) announced in an email to supporters that he is exploring a bid for Inslee’s seat.

“In the past few months, many people have asked me to consider running for Congress in the 1st District, in the event Congressman Inslee does not seek re-election,” Liias wrote. “While there are many things left to sort through, I want to let you know I am seriously considering this possibility.”

Inslee is not expected to announce his plans until after Gov. Christine Gregoire (D) says whether she will run for a third term. However, if Inslee does run for governor, the race to replace him could be among the more high-profile open-seat races in the country.

His suburban Seattle district, which includes the Microsoft campus, could be attractive to Ohio Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D), who is considering running outside Ohio and has visited Washington in recent weeks. But with redistricting and Washington gaining a seat through reapportionment, it is still unknown what any of the districts will look like.

Liias said he is the first person to announce he is considering running for Inslee’s seat, but he maintained he will not make a final decision on the race or begin raising money until Inslee announces his plans.