Democrat will seek to retain Senate post after successful legislative session; launches with support from across 40th District
— from Mari Neubauer for Senator Liz Lovelett —
State Senator Liz Lovelett (D-Anacortes) will run for election to retain the 40th District seat following a legislative session where she helped pass bills to invest in local priorities including Orca recovery, K-12 and higher education investments, mental health programs, and clean energy. Lovelett, a Democrat who was previously on the Anacortes City Council, was appointed to the seat in February.
“I love this new role working for all the people of Northwest Washington, from the San Juan Islands to my home in Skagit County, and the strong progressive areas of Bellingham and south Whatcom County,” said Lovelett. “With great input from community leaders, I was able to build coalitions, sponsor and pass legislation to protect Blanchard Mountain, and delivered millions of dollars in State investments to local projects including Lopez Island Swim Center, Mount Vernon Library, Lummi Nation Community Park, and the Port of Bellingham waterfront. We also closed tax loopholes on out of state banks and insurance companies, dedicated new resources to make college more affordable for all and protect our endangered Orcas. I am excited to continue serving in the Senate and build on my record in the coming years.”
Lovelett, a mother of two elementary age children, is the youngest mom in the State Senate, a perspective that she says guides her priorities around affordable childcare, education investments, and environmental leadership.
“I feel that I bring a set of every day experiences too often overlooked or missing in policy,” said Lovelett. “We need to provide all parents and kids more affordable quality childcare and early learning options, make sure we invest in our schools—and teachers—to close opportunity gaps, and do everything we can to ensure the next generation can enjoy a healthy environment and quality of life.”
Lovelett is especially proud to have worked with fellow first term Senators to pass progressive legislation that began reforms to Washington’s regressive tax structure, adopted 100% renewable energy standards for electricity production statewide, and met other constituent priorities.
“We need new energy and leadership to bring people together, rather than divide them, and address the big issues facing our families and communities,” said Lovelett. “I was excited to hit the ground running and push for real change in our tax code to make big corporations pay a fair share, demand clean energy, and finally invest resources in combating our mental health crisis. We need to build on this momentum in 2020 as we approach critical state and national elections and send a message that we are unified and dedicated to positive change.”
Lovelett begins her campaign with endorsements that reflect her successful first months in the Senate, including Bellingham City Councilmember Pinky Vargas, Mayor of Mount Vernon Jill Boudreau, Mount Vernon City Councilmember Iris Carias, Mayor of Anacortes Laurie Gere, Anacortes City Councilmember Ryan Walters, Anacortes Port Commissioner John Petrich, San Juan County Councilmember Rick Hughes, and Commissioner of Public Lands Hillary Franz. As well as support from her colleagues in the legislature, including Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig, Senators Joe Nguyen, Mona Das, Reuven Carlyle, David Frockt, Karen Keiser, Claire Wilson, and Acting Speaker of the House John Lovick.
“Senator Lovelett jumped right in and made herself an integral part of the Senate team,” said State Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig (D-Spokane). “She brought the voice of her district to the table and worked hard all session to pass legislation that reflects the values of the 40th LD.”
Bellingham City Councilmember and candidate for Mayor, Pinky Vargas said, “I have known Liz for many years, and she is a dedicated public servant. I was impressed by how she jumped in to Olympia in February, and she did a great job of getting up to speed as a legislator almost immediately. She is a great candidate to represent the needs and issues important to the 40th district.”
“Maya Angelou says ‘Love recognizes no barriers; it jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.’ This is how Liz Lovelett serves her community. She recognizes in our people the needs we actually face and works hard to address them. I’m humbly endorsing her and look forward to continuing working together in the near future to benefit the younger generation and our communities,” said Mount Vernon City Councilmember and local immigrant and farmworker rights champion Iris Carias.For more information, visit LizLovelett.org.
