One of the most important responsibilities of an elected official is bringing people together to solve problems. In today’s polarized political climate, that can be difficult. Too often, public policy debates are framed as employers versus employees, business versus labor, or one community interest against another. And too often false narratives are created online and in the media to distract and divide us.
That is why I am honored to receive endorsements from a broad coalition of organizations representing diverse perspectives across Washington State. These endorsements are not only a reflection of our campaign, but also a recognition of the work we have done in Olympia to build relationships, find common ground, and advance practical solutions for the people of Southwest Washington.
Among these endorsements are two organizations that are often viewed as representing different sides of public policy discussions: the Association of Washington Business (AWB), the state’s largest business association, and the Washington State Building & Construction Trades Council, representing thousands of skilled trades workers throughout Washington.
I am proud to be the only legislator in Southwest Washington to receive the endorsement of both organizations.
Their support demonstrates that effective leadership is not about choosing sides. It is about listening, building trust, and advocating for policies that strengthen our communities, create economic opportunities, support our workforce, and improve the quality of life for Washington families.
Throughout my service in the Legislature, I have worked to support economic development, workforce training, infrastructure investments, and policies that help employers grow while ensuring workers have access to family-wage careers. Those goals should not be mutually exclusive. Strong businesses need skilled workers, and workers need thriving employers. When both succeed, our communities succeed.
I am also grateful to have earned endorsements from the Washington state REALTORS, the Association of General Contractors of Washington, and the Washington State Nurses Association PAC. Together, these endorsements reflect support from professionals who build our communities, provide healthcare services, create housing opportunities, and drive economic growth throughout Washington.
Housing affordability remains one of the most pressing challenges facing families across our state. Increasing housing supply, supporting responsible development, investing in infrastructure, and encouraging homeownership opportunities require collaboration among builders, contractors, REALTORS, local governments, and community stakeholders. These endorsements reflect a commitment to practical policies that help make housing more attainable for working families.
Likewise, access to quality healthcare remains a priority for communities throughout Washington. The support of the Washington State Nurses Association PAC recognizes efforts to strengthen healthcare access, support healthcare professionals, improve behavioral health services, and ensure patients receive the care they need close to home.
I believe these endorsements represent more than organizational support. They reflect a belief that government works best when leaders focus on results rather than rhetoric. They demonstrate that it is possible to bring together employers and employees, labor and business, healthcare professionals and builders around common-sense solutions.
At a time when political divisions often dominate the headlines, these endorsements send a different message: people from diverse industries and backgrounds can work together to address affordability, expand housing opportunities, strengthen healthcare access, create jobs, protect worker rights and safety, and build stronger communities.
Southwest Washington deserves leaders who will work with anyone willing to move our communities forward. I remain committed to building those partnerships, listening to diverse perspectives, and advocating for pragmatic policies that strengthen families, create economic opportunity, and improve the quality of life for the people we serve.
Together, we can continue building a stronger future for Southwest Washington.
