Socialist Alternative challenger in the 43rd District race Jess Spear was arrested Thursday in a protest against oil trains running through Seattle.

The 32-year-old legislative candidate opposing longtime Democratic incumbent Frank Chopp was arrested along with two other protesters part of a group blocking railway tracks through downtown Seattle.

“These oil trains running right through the downtown area pose a huge risk to life and to the environment,” a statement from the candidate and climate scientist said. “Luckily, last week’s derailment did not spill any oil; but we cannot rely on luck. We cannot stand idly by while these bombs on wheels roll through Seattle.”

According to her campaign organizers, Spear and the two other arrested protesters were each held in King County Jail on $500 bail. All three were free before sundown.

In response to the arrest, House Speaker Chopp told The Stranger he is working to make progress on rail safety legislation in Olympia.

CHS profiled both candidates earlier in July:

• Challenger Spear brings Socialist Alternative (and ground game) fight to 43rd District establishment
• Capitol Hill’s longtime Olympia powerbroker Chopp faces Socialist Alternative in search of 11th term

Tuesday’s count of the August primary will be the first measure of how the candidates fare head to head as both move on to November’s final vote.

Sunday, the Vote Spear camp is planning a candidate rally for Broadway and Pine starting at 1 PM.