Adrian CortesServing

Adrian Cortes

State SenateDemocrat

WA-SD-18 State Senate

Hispanic·State Senator (2025-present)

Why This Race Matters

Cortes flipped the 18th District from Republican to Democrat for the first time in a generation, succeeding retiring Republican Sen. Ann Rivers. His 173-vote victory (50.0%-49.8%) was the only 2024 Washington race requiring a recount. The WA GOP filed a lawsuit alleging voter residency irregularities, which was dismissed by a judge in June 2025.

The 18th District race was one of the most expensive in Washington state history, with nearly $2 million spent by candidates and outside groups. His opponent Brad Benton is the son of former state Sen. Don Benton. Cortes gave Democrats a 30-19 advantage in the Senate. Declared for 2028 re-election. Was the only Hispanic mayor in Clark County and first mayor of color in Battle Ground's history.

Key dates to watch: General Election on November 7, 2028.

About

Adrian Cortes is a public school teacher and State Senator representing District 18. A longtime Clark County resident who moved to Battle Ground at age six, he is a second career teacher who went back to college as an adult to become a teacher and completed five degrees including a doctorate while raising two daughters as a working father.

Family & Heritage

Grew up in a conservative Hispanic family. His family moved to Battle Ground, Washington when he was six years old. Raised in a traditional household where his father worked and his mother stayed home to raise their four children (two sons and two daughters). Worked picking berries on Mrs. Koski's blueberry farm and riding raspberry picking machines on family farms during summers to save for school supplies. His grandmother inspired him with "Si Se Puede." First-generation college graduate who earned five degrees including a doctorate as a working father.

Political Career

Before Politics

Special education teacher and Services for Students with Disabilities Coordinator at Camas High School (2015-present); Associate teacher at City University of Seattle (2018-present); Battle Ground City Councilmember; Mayor of Battle Ground (2020-2021); Battle Ground Planning Commission (2008); Chair of C-Tran Board of Directors; Founding charter member of Battle Ground Rotary Club; WSU Diversity Advisory Board member; Regional Fire Authority Planning Committee Chair

Education

Ed.D. in Instructional Design & Development from George Fox University (2020-2023); M.S. in Education from Concordia University-Portland (2014-2015); B.S. in Human Development from Warner Pacific University (2012-2014); Prairie High School (1994)

Key Issues & Priorities

*Financial education in schools
*K-12 education
*Fiscal responsibility
*Transportation
*Public education funding

Notable Legislation

SB 5951 - School Albuterol Supply Authorization

Authorizes public and private schools to maintain albuterol supplies for asthmatic students (2025)

introduced

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