Celebrating Voter Turnout on Fantastic Friday!
Dear Friends,
Over the course of this week, many of us have been following along closely as election results have poured in from across the country. While many votes are still being counted – including here in Washington State – we are consistently moving closer to having a final result.
Recently we have been seeing unfounded claims from the current President, and his campaign, regarding the legitimacy of election results. Our system was designed to ensure that every vote counts, and that is exactly what will happen – election officials in counties across the country will do their jobs, count the votes, and report the results.
It’s important that we continue to remain calm and patient – voters decide elections, and we must count every single vote. There has been no evidence of voter fraud or corruption, and officials across the country continue to report successful, smooth election processes.
Thank you to all of the poll workers and election officials! You have worked tirelessly, day and night, all week, and we all owe you a great debt of gratitude for your work.
There were so many incredible candidates running for election here in Washington State, and I have been proud to support these great men and women as they have sought to represent you at all levels of government. Keep reading for important election results from across the state, and click on the image below to watch my video message on the election!
“Stay Safe, Stay Healthy”
Rep. Debra Lekanoff
Congressional Races!
Congratulations to Suzan DelBene in the 1st Congressional District, and Rick Larsen in the 2nd Congressional District for winning your campaigns! They have both done incredible work for Washingtonians during their time in Congress, and I am so thankful they will continue to do so!
Statewide Wins
There were several big wins in Washington’s statewide races! First and foremost, congratulations to Governor Inslee for winning his third term! Governor Inslee has done an incredible job during his time in office, and I am happy to have him continuing leading us through the COVID-19 pandemic.
I’d also like to congratulate Attorney General Bob Ferguson and Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal on their re-election victories! Both men have done incredible work in their respective capacities, and we should all be happy to have them continue their good work.
Finally, congratulations to Lieutenant Governor-elect Denny Heck, and State Treasurer-elect Mike Pellicciotti! The future of Washington State is bright with these two in office, and I am excited to work closely with them in Olympia moving forward.
Judicial Wins
Justice Raquel Montoya-Lewis has done an incredible job in her time on the Washington State Supreme Court, and has been a shining example for our youth across the state. It brings me great joy to see her on the State Supreme Court, and I congratulate her on winning re-election!
I am so impressed by Justice Montoya-Lewis’ quality of leadership. She understands that litigants’ needs run deeper than the law. She is a problem solver, a pathmaker, and a community healer. Thank you for your service, I am so grateful you will continue your good work!
Legislative Wins Close to Home
There were several great wins close to home here in the 40th LD – including Senator Liz Lovelett and Representative Alex Ramel both winning re-election alongside me! I’m thrilled to continue working with these two wonderful people, and want to congratulate them both on running great campaigns!
In the 42nd LD, I want to give a huge shoutout to Representatives Alicia Rule and Sharon Shewmake, and congratulate them on winning their campaigns! I’m so excited to have both of these wonderful women next to me in Olympia, and can’t wait to see all that we can accomplish together.
In the 10th LD, I want to congratulate Representative Dave Paul! He has been a strong ally during my time in Olympia, and I am proud to continue working alongside him in the future. Both Angie Homola and Helen Price Johnson’s races in the 10th remain incredibly close, and I know that no matter the result both women will continue to work and advocate on behalf of all Washingtonians!
Legislative Wins Around the State
A number of other great candidates – who I am proud to have endorsed – won their elections to our state legislature! Each of them will be incredible additions in Olympia, and together we will continue working to improve the lives of all who call this place home. Check out the full list below:
- Representative Drew Hansen, 23rd LD
- Representative Steve Kirby, 29th LD
- Representative Emily Wicks, 38th LD
- Representative Frank Chopp, 43rd LD
Meanwhile, T’wina Nobles in the 28th LD, Ingrid Anderson in the 5th LD, and Tanisha Harris in the 17th LD are all running in races that are still too close to call – though I’m confident I’ll be working with them in Olympia soon!
Local Candidates
Congratulations to Cindy Wolf for your election to the San Juan County Council and to Christine Grant for winning the Whatcom County PUD race! Strong relationships between state and local governments are so important as we move forward and continue to recover and rebuild after the pandemic. I am thrilled to get the chance to work with these incredible women with boots on the ground in their local communities as we work to address climate change, rebuild our economy, and strengthen the health of the people who call this place home.
Acknowledgements for Running Excellent Campaigns
To Representative Beth Doglio, it has been an honor serving with you in the People’s House. You ran an excellent campaign for Congress, and I know that you will continue to make a huge difference for the environment and people of the great state of Washington and beyond. Good things await, my friend, thank you for all of your hard work and dedication!
State Senator Marko Liias from the 21st LD ran a strong campaign for Lieutenant Governor. Although he did not get elected there, I look forward to continuing to work alongside him in his role as Senator to the 21st LD!
I want to acknowledge and raise my hands to all the fabulous candidates who ran competitive legislative races. Claus Joens and Ryan Johnson in the 39th LD, Zack Hudginsi in the 11th LD, and Joy Stanford and Carrie Hesch in the 26th LD – you all elevated your districts’ conversation in important ways. Campaigns are hard work, and I thank you all for giving so much to your communities over the past year.
Finally, I want to congratulate Gael Tarleton for running an incredible campaign for our Secretary of State. Though she did not win, I know in my heart that that her best work is yet to come. It has been a pleasure working alongside Gael in the Peoples’ House, and I am so excited to see what comes next!
Thank You, Washington!
Finally, I want to end this Fantastic Friday with a heartfelt thank you to all Washingtonians who stood up and made their voices heard.
More people than ever before stood up and made their voices heard, with more than 130 million votes cast – and ballots are still being counted! Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to get out the vote, and who cast a ballot themselves. We improve our communities when we participate in public life, and Washingtonians did a tremendous job on that front during this election.
On a personal note, I want to thank all of my friends, family, and supporters right here in the 40th LD! While I was running unopposed this year, it remains an incredible honor to have your support, and your trust as I work on your behalf in Olympia. I’m excited to get back to work on behalf of all Washingtonians protecting our wildlife and environment, providing greater access to healthcare and education, and ensuring that affordable housing is available to all who call this great place home.
Casting your vote is an incredible show of love for your town, your district, your state, and your country. It has been such an honor working on behalf of the 40th LD in Olympia, and I can’t wait to get back to it!
