EVERETT – At least six more candidates are in the running for Ken Klein’s seat on the County Council.

Klein, a Republican from Arlington, is resigning to take a high-level management job with the county.

Previously announced were Klein’s recommendations: Marysville City Councilman Michael Stevens, Stanwood Planning Commissioner Nate Nehring, son of the Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring, and Arlington City Councilwoman and Marysville-Tulalip Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jesica Stickles.

Debbie Blodgett, new executive board chairwoman of the county Republican Party, announced the other hopefuls today. They include:

•Rob Toyer, another Marysville city councilman.

•Gary Wright, a Marysville Realtor who was edged out for the County Council job by Klein and another candidate in the 2013 election. His wife, Donna, serves on the Marysville City Council.

•Kevin Ashe, who serves on the Darrington Town Council.

•Chris Ihler, a Marysville resident and supporter of local Republican candidates.

•Tim Loney, who used to serve on the Stanwood City Council.

•Robert Sutherland, a retired biochemist from Granite Falls, who ran unsuccessfully this past election against Democratic U.S. Rep. Suzan DelBene in Washington’s 1st Congressional District.

The vacant District 1 position covers northern Snohomish County, including Marysville, Arlington, Darrington, Granite Falls and Stanwood.

The GOP is expected to nominate three people for the spot at a Jan. 14 meeting. Blodgett added the possibility remains that the party could nominate someone from the floor who wants to be considered for the position.

The Democrats hold a 3-1 edge on the county council, which will decide Klein’s replacement. Officials hope to make the selection by the end of the month.