Claudia KauffmanClaudia Kauffman

Sen. Claudia Kauffman is running for re-election to the state Senate in the 47th Legislative District. Her campaign is focused on the need for early learning, affordable housing, climate action, and strengthening progressive tax reform. She currently serves as the chair of the Business, Trade & Economic Development Committee and vice chair of the State Government Committee. Her professional background includes working as the Intergovernmental Affairs Liaison for the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe and founding the Native Action Network. A member of the Nez Perce Tribe, Kauffman is one of a very small number of Indigenous lawmakers, including incumbent Reps. Lekanoff and Stearns. Kauffman has been a strong progressive voice in the Legislature. She was a co-sponsor of the historic Millionaires Tax, which will help the state provide free school lunches and expand access to the Working Families Tax Credit. She also co-sponsored a bill to prohibit law enforcement from wearing face coverings, which was in response to federal overreach in targeting immigrant communities and the murders of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti. Although she opposed the promotion of transit-oriented housing developments, Kauffman has supported other affordable housing measures, such as repealing parking requirements for new developments and rent stabilization. Sen. Kauffman has been a strong champion for progressive policies in the Legislature. We recommend re-electing her to serve another term in the Senate representing the 47th Legislative District.

Claudia Kauffman is a state legislator and longtime advocate for children, families, and Tribal communities. A member of the Nez Perce Tribe, Kauffman made history as the first Native American woman elected to the Washington State Senate and has dedicated her career to expanding opportunity and strengthening communities across South King County. Before returning to the Senate in 2022, Kauffman worked for decades as an Intergovernmental Affairs Liaison for the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe and built a strong record of public service and community leadership. She and her husband have also fostered ten children, an experience that has informed her lifelong advocacy for foster youth, education, healthcare, and equitable access to opportunity. Today, she serves as Chair of the Senate Business, Trade, and Economic Development Committee and as a member of the Ways and Means Committee. Kauffman is running for re-election to continue strengthening Washington’s economy, supporting working families, and ensuring Tribal and local communities have a strong voice in state government.