The Seattle Times on Saturday endorsed state Sen. Steve Hobbs (D) in the crowded race for the open 1st district, the most competitive in the state.

Hobbs is one of five Democrats who will appear on the Aug. 7 top-two primary ballot, along with Republican John Koster and Independent Larry Ishmael. The other Democrats are former Congressional candidates Suzan DelBene and Darcy Burner, former state Rep. Laura Ruderman and technology executive Darshan Rauniyar.

“Hobbs, who has served in the state Senate since 2006, blossomed with the formation of the Roadkill Caucus, a gathering of moderates more interested in crafting and passing effective legislation than political gamesmanship,” the Times wrote.