I ran for the Legislature in 2016 because I wanted to see the communities of the 19th Legislative District thrive. I was born here. My parents moved to Longview in 1949. I was shocked when I moved home in 2007 to see our once-thriving communities devastated by policies that shipped jobs overseas, environmental regulations, and lack of basic infrastructure investments like internet and cell service. Disastrous economic outcomes lead to even more heartbreaking human conditions with our district suffering from ravages of diseases of despair, low life expectancy, and high unemployment.

I lost that election by 559 votes of 56,827 cast in the Trump landslide. Since then, the 19th, a once Democratic stronghold, has elected even more Trump Republicans. I make the distinction between Republicans who represent a respectful difference of philosophy regarding the size, scope and role of government and Trump Republicans focused on building power in service to a national right-wing agenda, not local issues.

In 2022, I served as the senior advisor for rural engagement at the Democratic National Committee. Yes, I am still a Democrat. I do believe that both parties must be realigned to focus on making government work for the people — and not far left or right partisan politics.

Pull Quote

The Washington State Department of Ecology has been the enemy of progress and has done real harm to our rural communities. On the other hand, Republican Party chair and 19th Legislative District Rep. Jim Walsh, funded by billionaire Brian Heywood, is pushing initiatives that will cost our rural communities millions

For example, the Washington State Department of Ecology has been the enemy of progress and has done real harm to our rural communities. On the other hand, Republican Party chair and 19th Legislative District Rep. Jim Walsh, funded by billionaire Brian Heywood, is pushing initiatives that will cost our rural communities millions for education (I-2109) and investments in infrastructure/transit/transportation (I-2117). A yes vote just benefits extremely wealthy individuals (maybe 20 people in our district) and large corporations — not people in the 19th Legislative District.

People are turned off by the divisiveness of partisan politics, don’t see themselves as part of the solution, and don’t feel invited to participate. We need to start a different conversation about governing and politics. To that end, I have started a new company called the Rural Strong Network to strengthen our communities, advance democratic values, and make government work. We are building the Rural Strong Network: building homegrown prosperity together framework, encourage competition in elections (70% of rural elections go unchallenged) and work to ensure that state and federal programs are right sized to meet the needs of even the smallest places. Together, we can make a difference for our communities.

This election we have choices. Rural voices are missing from the Democratic majorities in the legislature. We need to have a seat at the tables of power. There are rural democrats running for the Legislature and county commissions committed to working for the people and in some cases moderate Republicans and Independents against Trump Republicans. While Democratic candidates are connecting with voters across the district, the three Republican legislative incumbents have barely shown up to debate or make their case to the people. This election let’s send a message that we want leaders who are working for us. Join us: Homepage — Rural Strong Network