Voters in the 44th Legislative District have the benefit of two qualified, thoughtful candidates for House Position 1.
Interestingly, both are Navy veterans, affable, authentic and smart.
Incumbent Democrat Brandy Donaghy, who has served for five years, has embraced her role as vice chair of the House Transportation Committee, particularly in the area of safety. For instance, she sponsored a bill improving driver training requirements for those under 21.
She’s also focused on emergency and disaster preparedness, inspired by challenges facing her 44th Legislative District that comprises Snohomish County, east of Everett and includes Mill Creek, Maltby and Snohomish. Among these are the severe flooding that hit the region in December.
Her opponent, Republican Chris Elder, is an impressive candidate. In 2023, he retired after 20 years in naval aviation, where he was a senior chief, helping to train new leaders. In Monroe, he is a realty agent, farmer and was host of Mil2Vet podcast, geared to veterans transitioning out the service.
He was inspired to run by the Legislature’s propensity for raising taxes and their effects on small businesses, such as his. He would like to see more accountability in state budgeting, and more assessments if new taxes and programs are delivering what was promised.
While well-versed on transportation challenges, Donaghy says she has not focused much on the Legislature’s big-picture budgeting, relying on her seatmate, the House Finance chair. Given the state’s serious budget problems, if Donaghy is reelected, she should find the time. If the state loses its stellar credit rating, the cost of the capital projects run through her committee will soar.
Where Elder fell short for the editorial board was in his evasive answers about climate change. In answer to questions about the state’s Climate Commitment Act as a response to climate change, he demurred. “Everyone should be concerned about climate.”
Too bad. You can disagree with the direction and offer alternatives but deflection is not an answer. For that reason, Elder missed the mark for the board’s endorsement.
By a nose, Donaghy is recommended for reelection.
