Candidate filing week closed on Friday, May 8, officially setting the stage for Washington’s 2026 election cycle. This year, all 98 seats in the Washington State House of Representatives and 24 of the 49 seats in the State Senate are on the ballot. The statewide primary is scheduled for August 4, with the general election set for November 3.
For Washington retailers and the broader business community, this election cycle matters. The lawmakers elected this year will help shape the policy environment for the 2027 legislative session and beyond, including decisions related to employment law, public safety, taxes, environmental regulation, data privacy, product stewardship, consumer protection, and the overall cost of doing business.
The Legislature is also guaranteed to look different next year. At least 20 current legislative seats will be represented by someone other than the current incumbent in 2027.
Lawmakers retiring or not seeking another elected office include:
- House: Timm Ormsby (D-3), Jenny Graham (R-6), Mike Volz (R-6), Steve Tharinger (D-24), Michelle Caldier Valdez (R-26), Carolyn Eslick (R-39), and Larry Springer (D-45).
- Senate: Judy Warnick (R-13), Steve Conway (D-29), and Sharon Shewmake (D-42).
Lawmakers seeking a different elected office or another legislative seat include:
- House: Suzanne Schmidt (R-4), Alex Ybarra (R-13), Jeremie Dufault (R-15), Sharlett Mena (D-29), Cindy Ryu (D-32), Chipalo Street (D-37), and Sharon Wylie (D-49).
- Senate: Matt Boehnke (R-8), Nikki Torres (R-15), and Rebecca Saldaña (D-37).
WR is currently working through its first round of endorsement recommendations. For incumbent lawmakers, WR evaluates legislative performance, including voting records, engagement on retail issues, responsiveness to industry concerns, and whether their work has been helpful or harmful to Washington’s retail sector. For new candidates and challengers, WR uses an interview process to better understand their priorities, policy approach, experience, and willingness to work with the retail community.
As campaigns move from filing week into the primary season, WR will continue monitoring races across the state, meeting with candidates, and reviewing legislative records. WR will remain engaged throughout the election cycle and continue supporting candidates who understand that a strong retail sector is essential to Washington’s economy, workforce, and local communities.
To learn more about WR’s endorsement process, please contact Crystal Leatherman, Director of Policy & Government Affairs ([email protected] | 360-884-0771)
