Serving

Emily Alvarado

State SenateDemocrat

WA-SD-34 State Senate

Colombian-American·State Senator (2025-present)

Why This Race Matters

Alvarado is up for re-election in November 2026 after winning the 2025 special election with 98.1% in a safe D+40 district. She is the Senate's leading voice on housing affordability, sponsoring the landmark HB 1217 rent stabilization bill signed into law by Gov. Ferguson in May 2025, ending Washington's 44-year ban on rent caps.

An ethics complaint was filed by Glen Morgan (We The Governed) alleging conflict of interest between her Senate role and VP position at Enterprise Community Partners, a housing nonprofit that lobbied for HB 1217. Previously won 2022 House election with 70.4% and 2024 re-election with 84.9%. Won initial Senate appointment from King County Council in Jan 2025.

Key dates to watch: General Election on November 3, 2026.

About

Emily Alvarado is an affordable housing advocate serving as a member of the Washington State Senate for District 34 since January 2025. She previously represented the same district in the Washington House of Representatives from 2023 to 2025. An attorney, coalition-builder, and former community organizer, she has fought for reproductive justice, equitable community development, and economic opportunity.

Family & Heritage

First-generation American and the daughter of two Colombian immigrants who became public school educators. Grew up in a community of teachers, activists, and artists. Learned the value of public service, empathy, and standing up for social and racial justice from her family. Lives in West Seattle with her husband, two children, and rescue dog Frazer.

Political Career

Before Politics

Vice President and Pacific Northwest Market Leader at Enterprise Community Partners (2021-present); Director of City of Seattle Office of Housing (2019-2021); Policy Director at Housing Development Consortium of Seattle-King County; Director of Policy and Outreach for Pittsburgh United; Public affairs field organizer at Planned Parenthood of Southwestern Oregon (2004-2006); Community organizer

Education

B.A. in American Studies from Scripps College (2003); J.D. from University of Washington School of Law (2009)

Key Issues & Priorities

*Affordable housing

*Reproductive justice

*Economic opportunity

*Equitable community development

*Renter protections

*Homeownership expansion

Notable Legislation

EHB 1217 - Rent Stabilization Act

Landmark rent stabilization bill caps annual rent increases at 7% + inflation or 10% max, ending state's 44-year ban on rent caps (primary Senate sponsor)

signed into law

Endorsements

International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District Lodge 751

Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates of Washington

King County Democrats (2024)