Javier ValdezServing

Javier Valdez

State SenateDemocrat

WA-SD-46 State Senate

Age 55·Mexican-American (son and grandson of farmworkers)·Washington State Senator, District 46 (2023-present)

Why This Race Matters

Valdez is running for re-election in 2026 in Seattle's 46th District (primary August 4, general November 3). As Chair of the House Members of Color Caucus turned State Senator, he is a key voice for Latino representation and equity in the WA legislature.

Valdez was appointed to the House in 2017 to replace Jessyn Farrell, won election in 2018 and 2020, then won his Senate seat in 2022. The Seattle Times endorsed him for Senate citing his experience and commitment to equity and gun safety. Endorsed by Alliance for Gun Responsibility, Planned Parenthood Votes, WA Conservation Voters, and WA State Labor Council.

Key dates to watch: Primary on August 4, 2026 and General Election on November 3, 2026.

About

Javier Valdez is a Democratic Washington State Senator representing District 46 in Seattle. The proud son and grandson of farmworkers and laborers, Valdez was born and raised in Moses Lake in eastern Washington and became the first in his family to earn a college degree. A 25-year City of Seattle veteran focused on equity and minority business development, he was appointed to the State House in 2017, won election in 2018 and 2020, then won his Senate seat in 2022. He chairs the State Government, Tribal Affairs and Elections Committee and has championed landmark hate crimes and gun safety legislation.

Family & Heritage

Born and raised in Moses Lake, Washington, the proud son and grandson of farmworkers and laborers. First in his family to earn a college degree. Moved to Seattle in 1988 to attend the University of Washington. Currently resides in Seattle's Maple Leaf neighborhood. Devoted fan of Weird Al Yankovic.

Political Career

Before Politics

Senior Equity and Inclusion Advisor, City of Seattle Finance and Administrative Services (25+ years with City of Seattle); Director, Seattle City Light Women and Minority Business Enterprise program; Special Assistant on WMBE programs, Seattle Mayor's Office; President, AFSCME Council 2, Local 21-C; Delegate, Martin Luther King County Labor Council

Education

B.A. in Business Administration, University of Washington (1993); M.P.A., Baruch College, City University of New York (National Urban Fellows program)

Key Issues & Priorities

*Gun safety (championed ban on high-capacity magazines and assault weapons restrictions)
*Hate crimes prevention (established statewide hate crimes hotline via SB 5427)
*Anti-swatting legislation (HB 2632, making false emergency reports a felony)
*Election integrity and voter access
*Equity and affirmative action
*Banning untraceable 3D-printed ghost guns
*Women and minority business development

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