2024 Endorsements

Derek Stanford
Senate

We are facing a housing crisis which requires a multi-pronged response. We need rent stabilization to prevent sudden massive rent increases, which have hit manufactured home residents in my district recently. Increasing investments in the Housing Trust Fund will help expand affordable options, and we must address our severe lack of capacity in supportive housing for those who need services. By pushing back against local barriers to development of a variety of housing types, we can get market forces working for us instead of against us in resolving this crisis. We also need to recognize the inherent connection between housing and transportation; we can expand housing capacity faster and at lower cost by coordinating with transit options. I look forward to continuing to advocate for solutions to increase housing supply, reduce housing cost, protect tenants from abuse, and help unhoused people transition into housing.

Marcus Riccelli
Senate

I want everyone in our community to have access to safe affordable housing, and in the senate I will continue that fight. I will continue to fight against excessive rent increases, that renters can’t afford. I believe renters and manufactured homeowners deserve protections from cost increases that are pushing them from their homes. I believe that everyone needs a roof over their head – housing is health and a social determinant of health. For many years Spokane did not hit the economic booms, but even in tough times it was a place you could find affordable housing. Times have changed and finding affordable housing in Spokane and across our state is extremely difficult. The people of Spokane and all of our state deserve an affordable place to live, work, and raise a family but it is currently out of reach for far too many. I will continue to champion housing policy that helps families build wealth through making the dream of home ownership a reality, helps foster a robust workforce in our cities, and will reduce homelessness. I supported and advocatd for the over $1 billion in funding last year and $230 million in funding this year for housing, at the same time worked to secure a $4 million dollar grant for Spokane to provide temporary emergency shelter for houseless individuals and help transition them from large shelters. I’ll continue to champion housing policy that helps families build wealth, helps foster a robust workforce in our cities, and will reduce homelessness.

Natasha Hill
House, Pos. 1

I will be a champion for ending homelessness, restocking affordable housing units for renters, and increasing pathways to homeownership for first time home buyers. I will stand with and behind renter protections that will keep folks housed and stable. I will work to create a fair and accountable rental market where landlords are treated like business owners and have responsibilities to their tenants and neighbors. I will ensure we apply an equity lens to all policies to determine those most impacted and how they can be best served and not further left behind. As someone with lived experience being unhoused and homeless, including periods in law school, I know how disconnected wealthier communities can be and that we must have impacted folks voices at the decision making table and I can be that representative.

Ted Cummings
House, Pos. 2

Affordable housing is fundamental to a stable democracy and safe functioning communities.

We did not get into our current housing crisis overnight and it will take time to reverse and correct this urgent issue. I support job growth with organized labor to give the working class the best opportunity at economic justice. I will work collaboratively with every stakeholder to find the most expedient way to solving a lack of housing.

Bill Ramos
Senate

I am committed to advancing policies and securing funding investments that prioritize the needs of renter households and address the pressing issue of homelessness in our communities. I will work tirelessly to strengthen tenant protections, including advocating for just cause termination and the right to counsel for low-income tenants facing eviction. Additionally, I will push for increased funding for homelessness prevention programs and the state Housing Trust Fund to build, acquire, and preserve affordable housing units. It's crucial to address the root causes of homelessness by providing access to safe, healthy, and affordable homes for all Washingtonians. I will collaborate with community organizations, housing advocates, and local governments to develop comprehensive solutions that prioritize housing stability and equity. By investing in affordable housing initiatives and supporting policies that protect renters, we can create a more inclusive and resilient society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Please check my voting record, as I have voted for all bills that increase housing or protect renters especially low income or people of color.

Victoria Hunt
House, Pos. 1

Lack of affordable housing is one of the most pressing issues in Washington. My professional experience has equipped me to understand the levers we can pull at the local level to increase housing affordability. I have worked in the UW Urban Design and Planning Department, and I am now in my third term on the Issaquah City Council and serve as Chair of the Planning, Development and Environment Committee for the City. 

To address the housing shortage and associated affordability issues, we must allow density and missing middle housing to be built. I support emergency housing and supportive housing programs, and I was supportive of funding for an Emergency Housing Program at Motel 6 in Issaquah for community members who are experiencing homelessness. I support legislation that will reduce deterrents to building condominiums, and that will give developers certainty they need to build the kinds of housing our community needs. As a city councilmember, I was also honored to lead an effort to overhaul our city’s municipal code to make our code clearer and more predictable for all users, and I would apply the same lens to the permitting and zoning rules at the State Level. Recognizing that many face economic displacement from high housing costs, I am supportive of tenant protections, and have advocated for tenant protections in the past including those proposed by A Regional Coalition for Housing. I would continue this work in the Legislature. 

Steven McCray
House, Pos. 1

I am committed to ensuring that rent control is available to all local jurisdictions in Washington state. Additionally, I strongly advocate for residential neighborhoods to be occupied by homeowners. I firmly believe that short term rentals should be limited to commercial areas rather than residential neighborhoods. As a member of the Washington state tenants union, I will actively support tenants' rights. Moreover, I will strive to amend Washington state's condo laws to facilitate the transition of multifamily dwellings into owner-occupied properties. I firmly believe that stable and secure communities can be achieved by promoting homeownership. Furthermore, I will work towards preventing foreign governments from owning land in our state. I am always open to hearing suggestions from my constituents on how we can improve our communities for everyone. Currently pursuing a social work degree, I am dedicated to addressing the needs of homeless individuals and marginalized communities both in my professional career and as a representative in Olympia.

Rocky Dean
Senate

 If elected, I will prioritize advancing policies and securing funding investments to protect renters, prevent homelessness, and ensure access to safe, affordable homes for all. I will advocate for stronger tenant rights, including fair rent control and protections against unjust evictions. I will work to increase affordable housing by incentivizing development and funding housing assistance programs, collaborating with local governments and developers to create more accessible housing options.  I am committed to implementing comprehensive strategies to prevent and end homelessness, such as expanding support services, increasing funding for emergency shelters, and investing in long-term solutions like permanent supportive housing. By addressing the root causes of homelessness, we can provide sustainable solutions and help individuals regain stability. Focusing on these key areas will allow us to make significant progress, and your support and collaboration will be crucial in achieving these goals.

Janet St. Clair
Senate

Right now, too many working families are struggling to make ends meet and as a state we must address our affordability crisis. I know from my own family and connecting with families across the district that we are all really struggling with housing costs. We need to support renter households to prevent displacement and ensure housing stability as well as expedite the construction of new housing in areas of our state where demand greatly outpaces supply so that working families have access to housing they can afford. I support the Housing Trust Fund, to create more safe, healthy, and affordable homes for low-income individuals and families. Lastly, I will also support efforts to expand access to supportive services, mental health resources, and addiction treatment to address the underlying causes of homelessness and help individuals transition into stable housing.

Clyde Shavers
House, Pos. 1

I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve. For two years as state representative, I worked as hard as possible each and every day to fight for you.

In a time of political hostility and divisiveness, l've tried my absolute hardest to move forward with kindness and caring. And after reflecting on our combined stories and struggles, I'm hopeful about our future. Our country is great because of you — your resilience to endure and grow together, your compassion towards helping people whom you may never meet, and your unwavering belief in our democracy.

I will work to expand tenant protections, increase funding for affordable housing projects, and support initiatives that provide critical services to those at risk of homelessness.

Dave Paul
House, Pos. 2

Nearly every day, I hear that there is not enough affordable housing in our district. As our region grows, it is important that communities have a variety of housing types, including apartments, starter homes, and homes designed to allow community members to age at home. We must have leaders in Olympia who are committed to improving housing affordability in rural regions like the 10th District.

I've worked with state leaders, local and county officials, non-profits, and industry to increase the availability of housing stock. I'm proud to have supported SB 5160 (2021) and HB 1220 (2021), 1866 (2022), and 1724 (2022). I played a key role in ensuring that HB 2114 passed the House in 2024. I'll continue to work with advocates, local and state leaders, and community members to identify common-sense solutions to increase the number of starter homes and multi-family residences, as well as improve permanent supportive housing in our state.

Jim Mayhew
Senate

We need greater prioritization and efficiency in how state resources are dedicated to addressing the priorities of all Washingtonians, including affordable housing for workers and young families and meeting the acute behavioral health and addiction recovery needs of people in crisis.

We have an affordable housing crisis in our state - in communities large and small - that will require private sector leadership and also state partnerships. This means smart land use laws that allow for greater affordability, subsidies for workforce and low income housing, innovative taxing and tax-incentive approaches, limiting unreasonable rent increases while not disincentivizing development and retention of rentals, addressing second or investment home purchases that squeeze out working families, and truly working alongside local governments to help people in crisis off of our streets and into drug treatment, mental health support, and other emergency shelter and services.

Heather Koellen
House, Pos. 1

If elected, I will champion policies that expand affordable housing and protect renters. This includes increasing funding for the state Housing Trust Fund, supporting permanent supportive housing programs, and ensuring robust renter protections. My goal is to end homelessness by addressing its root causes and providing comprehensive support for those in need. 

Maria Beltran
Senate

If elected to the Washington State Senate, I will prioritize policies and funding investments needed to protect renters to make sure they stay housed. I know what it is like to watch your parents have to make tough decisions between paying rent, putting food on the table or paying for utilities. I will work with everyone to ensure our unsheltered community members have access to safe, healthy and affordable homes.

Chelsea Dimas
House, Pos. 1

I believe in having mandatory minimum requirements for affordable housing in new construction, offering more programs like expanded downpayment assistance, and in diverting more state funding to constructing dense housing. If the housing crisis in my district isn't adequately handled, we're going to keep having our agricultural workers leaving the area to move to places with a lower cost of living, and we can't afford to lose our workers.

Ana Ruiz Kennedy
House, Pos. 2

Housing costs are too high for our families and divisiveness in government is preventing elected officials from making progress. Our community needs solutions that work for all of us.

I will use my experience to create living wage jobs, support local businesses, and tackle the fentanyl problem in our neighborhoods. I will ensure women's healthcare rights are respected.

I'm excited to do my part to build a safer, stronger, 14th Legislative District

Marla Keethler
Senate

I have been a renter longer than a homeowner, and like many struggled to finally afford to buy a home, so this issue is personal for me. As a Mayor l've also seen that communities of all sizes are struggling with the lack of affordable housing, which directly contributes to the challenges faced by residents experiencing homelessness. I will support statewide housing policies that recognize the diverse real estate markets, financial needs and capacities of different-sized communities, acknowledging that not all communities share the same challenges or opportunities.

My priorities include:

- Supporting policies and resources that create sufficient, quality, and affordable housing for diverse populations, while increasing homeownership opportunities.

For over two and a half decades, I've served as an ICU nurse, cherishing every moment of my career.

The privilege of saving lives and guiding families through healing journeys has deeply shaped me.

Now, I aim to carry these values and my experiences to Olympia, striving to continue to make a difference in people's lives. As a single parent. I experienced how hard it was to succeed. I sometimes lived paycheck-to-paycheck, often making those tough decisions between paying rent or bills or buying groceries. It was a struggle putting myself through college, raising my daughter and working full time, but it was possible. I'm not sure that those opportunities exist for people these days. The rising cost of education, escalating rents, lack of affordable housing are just a few of the things that make today's people's struggles difficult to overcome. We must find a way to make the success that I was able to achieve, achievable for all of our youth today.

Since moving to Vancouver 14 years ago l've immersed myself in the community, working with various organizations and leaders to address local issues. I've focused on outreach, ensuring that every voice is heard and every concern is addressed. As a legislator, I aim to continue this work, fostering equity and inclusion while addressing pressing issues...

My vision for our state is clear: I envision a Washington where prosperity is inclusive, opportunities are accessible to all, and our economy fosters growth for every individual, not just a select few. I envision safe livable cities which means affordable housing, quality fully funded schools, high paying jobs, affordable and accessible childcare.

Adrian Cortes
Senate

I understand the burden of our heavy cost of living, and the need for affordable housing. If elected, I will continue to address affordability issues in Southwest Washington. To do this, I will work with community members, local jurisdictions, and groups like yourself, to find realistic and effective policy solutions to address the needs of every citizen in Southwest Washington. In the legislature, I will advocate and advance policies that decrease our current cost of living, find reasonable solutions for our renters, and invest in affordable housing infrastructure.

I believe that if there were an easy solution to homelessness it would have been done, that said, I believe there are opportunities to reduce homelessness, and one way that i have been able to see effective results is in the city of Vancouver with their safe stay "pallet homes". Reports from the Mayor show that when given the opportunities of safe shelter and assistance, those looking to find permanent housing and employment are successful at a high rate. I also support a cap on rent increases annually. No one should have to be surprised or look for a new home due to a surprise rent hike that prices them out of their current home.

I will make affordability and housing shortage a top priority. In order to address renters across the state, we need innovative solutions. I believe that rental protections need to be calibrated across the state by region, like prevailing wages. What is right for Yakima, or Spokane, or Federal Way is not right for Vancouver, or even Battle Ground. I would like to see something of a flexible rental cap range of 5% - 9% depending on the area, wages, and cost of living.

To address houselessness we need to work on developing upstream solutions that prevent people from needing the downstream solutions that we are so accustomed to. We can set up funds that help provide assistance to keep people in their homes so that they don't reach the point of eviction in the first place. However, for those that need the downstream supports we should begin to take the successes of Vancouver, and their stay safe communities, and establish this state wide. To address the access to safer, healthier, and more affordable homes, we must prioritize the building of more mixed-use and future ready housing. This will help families around the state as our demographics change and more and more families become intergenerational and move in with one another. I saw this first-hand with my students' families during COVID and we need to help families find housing that can adapt to their changing needs.

As chair of the Housing Committee, I have had the honor of helping shepherd many progressive housing policies and critical funding through the legislature. And while I am incredibly proud of HB1220, The Covenant Homeownership Act, ADU and Missing Middle policies, record funding for the Housing Trust Fund, and Document Recording Fees dedicated to housing, we have simply not made the progress on helping our most vulnerable friends and neighbors. Rent stabilization has and will be my top priority, as well as passing legislation holding cities accountable for not fulfilling their legal obligation to allow for emergency and permanent supportive housing. I will also continue to support progressive revenues that will be used directly for our housing needs.

My foremost commitment lies in advancing policies and securing funding investments aimed at safeguarding renter households, eradicating homelessness, and expanding access to safe, healthy, and affordable homes. Drawing from my extensive experience, I recognize the urgency of these issues and pledge to prioritize them.

To protect renter households, I will advocate for robust tenant protections, including rent stabilization measures. Additionally, I will push for initiatives to increase affordable housing stock, such as incentivizing the construction of affordable units and expanding rental assistance programs.

In addressing homelessness, I will champion a comprehensive approach that combines housing with essential services, including mental health and addiction treatment. Building upon successful legislative efforts like HB1590, I will work tirelessly to secure additional funding for housing and supportive services, ensuring that no individual or family is left without a roof over their heads.

Furthermore, I am committed to promoting sustainable and inclusive housing solutions. This involves supporting transit-connected, walkable communities while ending exclusionary zoning practices. By prioritizing environmentally friendly building practices and retrofitting existing structures for energy efficiency, we can not only address climate change but also create healthier living environments for all residents.

If re-elected, I will be a tireless advocate for policies and funding investments that protect renter households, prevent and end homelessness, and ensure equitable access to safe, healthy, and affordable homes for all members of our community.

Lisa Parshley
House, Pos. 2

My ideas about improving housing stability come from working on the city council and helping further policy and action to reduce homelessness and improve housing security for over 6 years. For example, I voted "yes" over a month ago for Olympia's rent stabilization ordinance. This ordinance is an improved version of the Tacoma Initiative passed last November and caps for an entire year rent increases to 7%. If the landlord raises the rent above 7% in one year, they must pay the tenant the equivalent of 2.5 months rent if they choose to leave the rental unit due to the rent increase.

We know from our Olympia Strong work and many other studies that preventing homelessness needs four things: housing security, food security, affordable childcare, and living wage jobs. If elected, I will support or author legislation and budget expenditures that improve affordable housing that specifically targets marginalized community members.

I will work to ensure that the GMA requires a food plan to be included in the comprehensive plans updates (master plans) for each county and jurisdiction. In part, this will include providing state grant money for urban farm parks, Community gardens, and education programs to train new farmers. This will improve food sovereignty for the most marginalized population in all communities.

We must explore basic income for bills, such as HB 1045, for those suffering from poverty. Last session, HB 1045 would have set up a pilot study to provide 7500 people who qualify with 24 months of unrestricted and unconditional funds, the equivalent of a 2-bedroom apartment in the county where they reside. Other pilot programs nationwide on basic income have shown excellent results in improving housing and food security for impoverished people.

We need to link affordable housing funding and skilled labor training programs and dollars to the formation of childcare associated with these programs or housing units. We must also explore every method for generating wealth for single parents, marginalized members of our community, and people of color. Wealth generation could come from homeownership to skilled job training while paying for childcare and ensuring secure housing.

Jessica Bateman
Senate

The lack of both affordable housing and the number of people and families experiencing homelessness has reached a crisis point. In the legislature I have championed policies to keep people in their homes, build abundand and affordable housing, support emergency shelter providers, increase funding for mental health and substance use treatment, and make historic capital investments to build and acquire more affordable housing. I am committed to addressing the root causes of this emergency.

In addition, as a councilmember I led the Home Fund campaign to create the first municipally funded permanent supportive housing program in the South Sound. I championed legislation to increase our supply of housing by legalizing modest home choices statewide, supported tenant protections, rent stabilization and investments in the Housing Trust Fund. In my next term I will continue working to ensure our most vulnerable neighbors have a safe place to call home.

Tarra Simmons
House, Pos. 1

As the first formerly incarcerated legislator in Washington, I have experienced a variety of housing situations. I grew up in subsidized housing projects and have experienced homelessness several times in my life starting at the age of 13. I lived in a park when I was 14 and pregnant and have lived in jails and prisons. Today, I no longer experience housing instability and it has had a profound effect on my own feelings of liberation and allowed me to address my previous substance use disorder and trauma.

As a lawyer, mother, former RN, and civil rights activist; I bring all of my lived and professional experience to the legislature and bring nuance to the conversations where people with my lived experience have rarely had a seat in the caucus room. I fight for justice daily: criminal justice, healthcare justice, housing and environmental justice. I will continue to do that as long as I am elected and specifically support policies that ensure everyone has a home.

Greg Nance
House, Pos. 2

Rep. Greg Nance believes housing is a human right. He is a leader in the House on public transit and has led investments for safe, walkable, bikeable communities where every neighbor can thrive. He advocates for smart density and transit-oriented development that honors our neighbors and our earth. He is a youth mentor and has led large investments for youth mental health. He has sponsored and unanimously passed legislation to expand affordable childcare access and Washington's healthcare workforce. As Assistant Whip, Rep.

Greg Nance rallied votes for rent stabilization to protect renters and is committed to advancing compassionate policies that help our most vulnerable neighbors. He is endorsed by AG Bob Ferguson, Lt. Governor Denny Heck, The Suquamish Tribe, House Speaker Laurie Jinkins and 46 Democratic House colleagues.

Adam Bernbaum
House, Pos. 1

If elected, I will advocate for increased funding for affordable housing and homelessness prevention programs. I will support policies that protect renters from unjust evictions and excessive rent increases. My goal is to ensure that everyone in our community has access to safe, healthy, and affordable homes.

Steve Tharinger
House, Pos. 2

Cameron Severns
House, Pos. 1

If elected, I will be a constant advocate for the people of the 25th district. My community never let me down when I faced eviction. They helped me get back on my feet, and I want to give back. I will fight for stronger renter protections because I know what it is like to worry about access to a home.

Addressing homelessness and the lack of affordable housing will always be among my top priorities. I will work to address the urgent need for housing stability and long-term equitable and affordable solutions for the middle and lower income populations. I will pass laws that create affordable housing.

To increase our inventory and protect communities of color from predatory capitalism, we should make it impossible for Wall Street hedge funds to buy homes in Washington State. I fought for the residents of Meridian Mobile Estates in Puyallup and Cottonwood mobile homes in unincorporated Pierce County. We need laws that protect tenants, renters, manufactured home owners and seniors from predatory corporate entities. Everyone deserves safe, stable, access to a home.

Shellie Willis
House, Pos. 2

If elected to represent the 25th Legislative District, my commitment is to create a community where everyone has access to safe, healthy, and affordable housing. To achieve this, I will focus on several key areas that are essential to addressing the housing crisis and supporting our most vulnerable neighbors. First and foremost, increasing the supply of affordable housing is critical. I will advocate for significant investments in the state Housing Trust Fund, which will allow us to build, acquire, and preserve affordable homes. This investment is essential to easing the housing shortage that affects so many low-income families and vulnerable individuals in our district. Preventing homelessness is another crucial focus. I will push for increased funding for programs like Housing and Essential Needs (HEN) and the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). These programs provide vital support to those at risk of homelessness, helping them stay in their homes and avoid the devastating impact of losing their housing. Finally, supporting workforce housing initiatives is essential.

Tiffiny Mitchell
House, Pos. 2

If elected, one of my top priorities will be the stabilization of housing costs for renters and to bring homeownership into reach for those wishing to own their own place. In what is often a two-prong approach, I intend to do this by supporting legislative efforts to cap rent in Washington to reasonable rate increases and ensuring that we work towards policies that increase the building and availability of affordable housing supply, including down payment assistance and competitive financing. This includes multi-family housing, repairing older homes so that people can safely stay in them, and allowing for more upzoning in our communities.

The state also needs to provide adequate investment into Washington community action agencies and other state safety net programs, so that those facing hardship get the help they need to stay in their homes and to also increase their skill to be able to get into and stay

Yasmin Trudeau
Senate

Statement to come.

Laurie Jinkins
House, Pos. 1

My focus has been on increasing supports, stabilizing costs and increasing supply of housing. All three of these areas must be addressed if we are to make sure people have homes. Creating a continuium of housing so that those are unhoused can find basic shelter and quickly (immediately) move into long-term housing that meets their needs is a fundamental base. The lack of safe, healthy, affordable housing contributes significantly to homelessness. Rental assistance, rent stabilization, appropriate building and permitting requirements, density coupled with affordablity and non-displacement requirements, and increased funding for low income housing are just some of the areas we must continue to invest in.

Devin Rydell Kelly
House, Pos. 2 (Dual endorsement)

We face an unprecedented housing crisis, and the only way to overcome it is with bold, decisive action making massive portions of the housing stock permanently affordable. This starts with overturning the statewide ban on rent stabilization. I’m excited by the efforts in recent sessions and committed to organizing to overcome the holdout democrats who’ve recently joined Republicans to block legislation in both chambers.

We also need massive state investment to increase permanently affordable housing. The two best ways to do this are via a social housing developer and a public bank. A social housing developer could issue bonds, subsidize affordable units with market rate units, and democratize housing.  A public bank could offer near zero interest loans not only to first time home buyers, but also single family homeowners who want to age in place and convert their units to rent stabilized duplexes or triplexes. This would expand density, bring along people often skeptical of infill, and preserve neighborhood character.

Finally, we need state enforcement capacity to take on the global speculators and private equity firms gobbling up single family homes, mobile home parks and apartment buildings throughout Washington. Let’s create a state department of housing with a mandate to track and confront the major developers and landlords who hide behind shell corporations (which county assessors and auditors often lack the staffing or technology to address). A department could also identify and elevate best practices and systems, offer support for innovative social and low income housing programs, and more.
 

Jake Fey
House, Pos. 2 (Dual endorsement)

The Legislature has failed to fully meet the challenges of providing affordable and safe housing. Meeting the challenge of providing affordable housing must be the highest priority for funding in our Capital Budget. We must provide a full range of housing options and speed up the regulatory and administrative processes to expedite the construction of affordable housing.

T’wina Nobles
Senate

If re-elected, I will build on my advocacy for and prioritization of legislation and funding that will protect renter households like mine, prevent and work to end homelessness so no one has to experience what my family did when I was a child experiencing homelessness, and ensure more people have access to safe, healthy, affordable homes because these are basic human rights we all deserve. I am committed to working with and listening to community on all of these issues.

Melanie Morgan
House, Pos. 1

As your representative, I am committed to advancing policies and securing funding investments to protect renter households, prevent and end homelessness, and ensure access to safe, healthy, and affordable homes. Housing stability is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of strong, thriving communities. If elected, I will advocate for increased funding for affordable housing initiatives and support legislation that provides robust tenant protections against unjust evictions and excessive rent increases.

Additionally, I will work to expand supportive services for individuals experiencing homelessness, including mental health and addiction treatment programs, to address the root causes of housing instability. By collaborating with local governments, nonprofits, and community stakeholders, we can create comprehensive solutions that promote long-term housing security and dignity for all residents. Together, we can build a future where everyone has a place to call home. 

In addition to previously serving as the Vice Chair of the Housing, Human Services and Veterans Committee within the State Legislature, my prior work as a nonprofit director, a small business owner, and the manager of a complex household budget have uniquely prepared me with the tools to address the housing and homelessness crisis facing Washington. I've co-sponsored renter protection legislation and other efforts to support residents in Washington state. I led the Developmental Disability Advocacy Caucus where we prioritized housing policy and funding, including pushing for the RETT bill.

I understand the pressures families in our community face and the need to maximize resources and deliver services efficiently. In Olympia, I am fighting to ensure every family - regardless of employment status and income -- can keep a roof over their head and access critical services. We must rapidly expand the housing supply at all levels. Families are being pushed further and further away from the economic centers of Seattle and Tacoma. The state government must work hand-in-hand with local officials in order to build an understanding of the diverse needs of the many communities that make up Washington state. There are substantially different affordability issues in rural and urban communities and housing will only remain affordable so long as those differences are taken into consideration.

Lauren Davis
House, Pos. 2

As one of only a handful of renters in the legislature and someone who has been adversely impacted by sudden rent hikes, I am an enthusiastic support of rent stabilization. I have been a strong proponent of increased investments into the Housing Trust Fund, Apple Health and Homes, and HEN. It is easier to prevent homelessness than to help a person or family navigate their way out of it. For this reason, I am an advocate for increasing investments in emergency housing assistance to avert evictions. During my freshman year in 2019, 1 authored successful legislation to ensure recovery residences for people in recovery from substance use disorder (SUD) met quality standards. In 2021, I led the creation of two new programs: one to provide housing vouchers for persons with SUD and the second to expand the supply of recovery residences statewide. In 2023, I helped increase allocations for those programs to $11.5M and $10M respectively. I intend to continue building on these efforts to provide housing options for people living with behavioral health challenges.

Furthermore, I will continue to champion housing assistance programs for survivors of intimate partner violence--a disproportionate driver of homelessness among women and children. During the 2024 session, I secured a first ever earmark in the state budget for housing assistance for DV survivors.

Mia Su-Ling Gregerson
House, Pos. 2

I will continue to fight for tenants rights, affordable homes and to stabilize rent increases. I believe that all people deserve to have a healthy home near the community they choose to work and play.

Statement to come.

Joe Fitzgibbon
House, Pos. 2

In recent years, we have taken modest steps in the right direction to protect the rights of tenants and to build more affordable homes. It is time for us to take much biggest steps, by enacting statewide rent stabilization and adopting permanent funding sources for the Housing Trust Fund, emergency housing programs, and other underfunded programs to meet the critical need for affordable housing in Washington state. As House Majority Leader, I am committed to pushing my caucus to take the bold steps that families across Washington are demanding that we take.

While many of the bills I passed have large impacts on our state, the thing I’m most proud of in my first term is work I did supporting a bill. This past session the House passed a rent stabilization bill (unfortunately it died in the Senate). This is an immensely important issue for so many working people in our state as the cost of housing is skyrocketing, stretching budgets and pushing people into homelessness.

Rep. Alvarado did an amazing job sponsoring the bill and put together a diverse coalition of supporters. I was proud to join this alliance as a landlord. The most vocal landlord voices oppose renter protections. I think it’s important to have perspectives from that community who can provide a counter narrative. I'm excited to continue the fight for rent stabilization!

I wholeheartedly advocate for bold and concrete strategies to tackle our state's housing crisis. This includes increasing funding for affordable housing development, implementing rent stabilization measures to control skyrocketing rents, and promoting policies that prioritize affordable housing options for all income levels. Additionally, I support initiatives to strengthen tenant protections and increase homeownership opportunities, ensuring that housing is truly affordable and accessible for all members of our community. So many members of our community are facing financial insecurity, just 1-2 paychecks away from homelessness. In order to solve or even see a dent in our homelessness issue we must address housing insecurity. I look forward to working with my colleagues to implement real change that will directly affect the most vulnerable in our communities.

Alex Ramel
House, Pos. 2

Statement to come.

Lisa Wellman
Senate

Housing is an issue across Washington state. There is simply not enough. We have already put a number of positive changes in place to provide for greater density in our cities and towns and around transit. Renter protections have been put in place to address unfair and discriminatory landlord practices. However we need creative, innovative solutions. Providing unique tax incentives to industry has produced livable housing developments like Peter Cooper Village and StyTown in NYC build by Metropolitan Life. Using air rights such as Chicago has over railroad tracks along Lake Michigan is worthy of exploration. Incentivizing in-city conversions for seniors in older areas has been successful in other states. With a crisis at hand exploring all options is critical Rent stabilization for a period of years is needed to ensure more families are not driven intro homelessness. Additionally, my colleagues have proposals for populations perhaps not yet addressed and I look to a collaborative approach to assure the best outcomes.

Tana Senn
House, Pos. 1

As Human Services, Youth & Early Learning Committee Chair, I have been honored to be part of the successful work to reduce youth homelessness by 40%. Through innovative programs, prevention efforts and flexible resources, we have reduced youth homelessness and thus future adult homelessness, too! As a state, we must continue to ensure that we do not release people from state institutions, in-patient treatment and other settings into homelessness, but rather recognize the need for 'step-down' services and supportive housing. Passing a sensible rent stabilization law will help keep people's housing costs in-line with their incomes versus pricing them out of their homes. Furthermore, there is a growing need for housing for people living with disabilities which I am very interested in supporting. Additionally, as we work to build more housing for people of all income levels, we must ensure that local governments have the resources, professionals and infrastructure to support needed re-zoning, permitting, inspections, etc. in a timely manner. 

My-Linh Thai
House, Pos. 2

As the first refugee elected to serve in the Washington State Legislature, I understand the cruciality of advancing policies that fund and provide services for our community's basic needs, including housing. I will use data, both quantitative and qualitative, to critically examine our current policies and their effectiveness. Policies are only successful when the drafting and implementation process involves and includes impacted communities as partners who are compensated for their labor. Therefore, I will ensure the legislation process is equitable, and that the services policies provide reflect the needs of the people they are meant to serve.

Joe Timmons
House, Pos. 2

I know firsthand what workers and working families are going through when it comes to our housing affordability crisis. If re-elected I will continue the work I have done during my first term in the Legislature. I will continue to work to increase the housing supply, especially in urban and transit areas, while also investing in affordable housing options and providing stability for renters and more pathways to first-time homeownership. Additionally, I will continue my commitment to addressing the underlying causes of homelessness and housing instability.

Shaun Scott
House, Pos. 2

Housing is the key -- to health, to happiness, and to a range of social goods like schools and transit. When we commit to making our neighborhoods more inclusive and more affordable, we become a better Washington. I will do everything I can as a state lawmaker representing renter-heavy neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, the University District, and Eastlake to make Washington a more fair state with housing for all.

Nicole Macri
House, Pos. 1

Statement to come.

Statement to come.

Darya Farivar is proud to be the youngest member of the legislature and the first-ever Middle Eastern woman elected to the body. Throughout her career, Darya has been a champion of access and equity. She has worked for years to remove barriers to the legislative and civic process while centering the voices of people with direct lived experience. In her first term, Darya sponsored and passed the Nothing About Us Without Us Act which uplifts the voices of people with direct lived experience with housing insecurity and homelessness. She believes we should follow the direction of those directly impacted and furthest from privilege.

Darya continues to work for tenant rights and eviction reform, increased state funding for housing development, increased accessible housing, and permanent supportive housing. During her time at Disability Rights Washington, she worked to address the intersection of behavioral health, homelessness, and the criminal legal system. Now, she works on this as a state representative.

Darya understands that we cannot continue to operate in silos. The housing and homelessness crisis is tied to the behavioral health crisis and criminal legal reform. We need solutions that address how these systems interact. Darya is very proud to work closely with the WLIHA team and will continue to support their work to end housing insecurity and homelessness in her second term. Darya will always work to lift every voice.

Monica Stonier
House, Pos. 2

In Washington, we have done good work to pass laws that expand housing access and renter protections to all people regardless of where their income comes from or what other challenges they may face to get and remain in a home. But there is more to do. I support the passage of a rent stabilization bill that allows landlords to make reasonable rent increases without pricing our neighbors out of their homes.