Elected Experience: United States Representative, 1997-current; Washington State Senator, 1991-1997.

Other Professional Experience: Prosecutor, City of Seattle, 1993-1995; Attorney, Cromwell, Mendoza and Belur.

Education: J.D., University of Washington, 1990; B.A., Fordham University, 1987, Tyee High School, 1983.

Community Service: PTA member Issaquah High and Issaquah Middle School; Issaquah High School Booster Member; member, Borgen Project Board of Directors; Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, member; attends Bellevue's St. Margaret's Episcopal Church; former volunteer coach, Issaquah Soccer Club; former member, Northeast Tacoma Elementary PTA where my wife, Sara, served as PTA President for 2 years; former member, Federal Way Kiwanis Club.

Statement: I grew up in the city of SeaTac, and have lived my entire life in the 9th District. This district is a tremendously diverse community that values hard work, and I am very proud to represent it. My wife Sara and I live in the 9th and raise our two children here, where they both attend public schools. As a Prosecutor, State Senator, Congressman, and member of our community, I live the values my parents taught—integrity, hard work, and respect for our community.

Working class families, like the one I grew up in, do not have the same opportunities as previous generations. This must change. That’s why I’m focused on strengthening the middle class, fighting for civil rights and equity, and investing in our future. We need strong, experienced leadership to find solutions to the challenges we face.

I remain absolutely committed to working hard to find solutions to make our district better for all. We must grow from the middle out, ensure there are more living wage jobs available, and make sure we continue to strive toward equity and equality for all. As the top-ranked Democrat on the Armed Services Committee, I have always worked hard to make sure that our servicemembers and their families, many of whom live in the 9th District, receive the support they need and deserve.

I work hard every day to make sure every person in our district has access to the best this country has to offer; not only because it’s the right thing to do, but also because this is my home—it’s personal to me, just like the prosperity of our community is personal to you.

It is my honor to serve this district in Congress, and I ask for your vote.