Elected Experience: Not a career politician.

Other Professional Experience: Jason is a small business owner. His company, Handi Habitats, grew out of a challenging time for his family. When Jason’s father suffered a stroke that left him paralyzed, Jason left his teaching position to remodel his father’s home so he could continue to live independently. Jason soon realized his father’s needs were shared by others. Handi Habitats has helped thousands of injured workers, veterans, and older Americans to live safely and independently at home.

Education: Bachelor’s degree, University of Michigan; Master’s degree - History, Eastern Michigan University.

Community Service: Councilmember, Washington State Independent Living Council.

Statement: A former teacher, current small businessman, husband and father of two, Jason Ritchie knows we need strong leadership in Olympia that values progress, not partisanship. The next session will be focused on public schools. We need a legislator who’s been in the classroom and the boardroom ensuring excellent public schools, expanded job creation and transportation improvements to get our region moving again.

We need stronger fiscal accountability after too many tax breaks for corporations. That money should go back into taxpayers’ pockets. Endorsed: Congressmembers Del Bene and Smith, Senator Mark Mullet, State Labor Council, Washington Conservation Voters and more.