AGC’s BUILD PAC has endorsed Rep. Amy Walen (D) for the 48th District State Senate seat. This is one of the few special elections this year for legislative spots, as the seat became open when Patty Kuderer was elected Insurance Commissioner. Former House member Vandana Slatter was appointed to the post earlier this year and is running for the seat, setting up a Democrat vs. Democrat race in November.
Rep. Walen is a business owner and a moderate voice within the Democrat Caucus. When the two served together in the House, Rep. Walen achieved a 60% legislative vote score, while Rep. Slatter scored only 35%. A particularly differentiating vote occurred in the recent session, when Amy voted against legislation allowing unemployment insurance for striking workers, and Sen. Slatter voted in favor.
Amy has served as the Chief Financial Officer for companies with annual revenues exceeding $100 million for nearly 20 years. Under Jim and Amy’s leadership, Ford of Kirkland grew into Ford-Hyundai of Kirkland, becoming one of Washington State’s largest volume dealerships, employing 120 people in Totem Lake and staying deeply connected with the community.
Originally from Oregon, Amy graduated from university in Australia and the University of Queensland Law School, practicing law until returning to Oregon in 1994. She then pursued a career in the auto industry.
Elected to the Kirkland City Council in 2009, Amy was selected by her colleagues to serve as Mayor in 2014. She was elected to the State Legislature in 2018, driven by her belief that true leadership involves listening to diverse perspectives and creating policies that consider all viewpoints.
AGC’s BUILD PAC has made the maximum allowable contribution to Amy’s campaign. AGC members are encouraged to visit her website and consider supporting her effort.
To see the list of all state and local candidates endorsed by AGC’s BUILD PAC for the November election, click here.
Photo: AGC Board member Sarah Lawrence, AGC Chief Lobbyist Jerry VanderWood, and AGC President Bryan Kelley visit with Rep. Amy Walen.