It is a privilege to serve in the legislature and I have loved my time representing you. My priorities reflect the values of our families and communities, and with your vote I will:
- Continue to create affordable housing options, and seek property tax relief for seniors.
- Address the homelessness and behavioral health crises. There should be no “wrong door” when it comes to behavioral health.
- Ensure working families have childcare, housing options close to services and fair treatment at work.
- Create a strong and compassionate human services safety net.
- Ensure that local governments, law enforcement, prosecutors, and advocates for survivors and safety have the tools they need.
- Reduce gun violence and suicide with effective laws and interventions.
- Protect our planet- our air and water, climate, plants, and animals.
Washington must remain a global economic leader– so we must ensure we encourage innovation, have a talented, well-educated community and a fair, transparent, and predictable tax code.
As a businessperson and formerly local government official, I have experience crafting and implementing thoughtful laws that improve lives. It is imperative that we bring people together – more voices make better policies and we must live our values with civil discourse and by working together to find solutions to our common problems.
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I’m looking forward to the start of the 2026 legislative session on January 12th. As we head into this short session, I’m focused on continuing the work you’ve trusted me to do: making life more affordable for families, supporting small businesses, strengthening consumer protections, and investing in the health and safety of our communities.
During session, my communications here will be more limited than usual. Most updates will come through my official legislative website, where you can also sign up for my e-newsletter for regular updates and opportunities to stay engaged: housedemocrats.wa.gov/walen/
Thank you, as always, for the privilege of representing you in Olympia. I’m grateful for this community, and I’m ready to get back to work for you.
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As Chair of the House Consumer Protection & Business Committee, I know the holidays bring a surge in scams targeting our online shopping, charitable donations, travel plans, and even package deliveries. Here are a few common scams to watch for — and what to do if you think you’ve been affected.
Common holiday scams include:
• Fake package delivery texts and emails asking you to click a link or pay a fee.
• Online “too good to be true” deals from fake retailers.
• Charity fraud from organizations designed to look like real nonprofits.
• Travel scams, including vacation rentals that don’t exist.
• “Family emergency” scams where someone impersonates a relative in distress.
Tips to protect yourself:
• Verify URLs and sender emails for odd spellings or extensions.
• Avoid clicking links in unsolicited texts or emails—go directly to websites instead.
• Use secure payment methods like credit cards with built-in fraud protections.
• Check the credentials of charities before donating.
• Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
• Monitor bank and credit card statements and turn on transaction alerts.
If you believe you’ve been a victim of fraud or identity theft:
• Contact the affected companies and ask to freeze or close compromised accounts.
• Change passwords, PINs, and login credentials across related accounts.
• Place a fraud alert or security freeze on your credit report and request a copy to review.
• Report the incident to the Washington Attorney General’s Office and/or the FTC.
• File a police report and share it with credit bureaus to help block fraudulent activity.
With a few simple precautions, you can protect your finances, your personal information, and your peace of mind.
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Happy Thanksgiving!
Today I’m feeling especially grateful for my family, whose love and support mean the world to me, and for this incredible Eastside community that shows such compassion, generosity, and care for one another every day.
From our teachers, nurses, and first responders to the nonprofit teams and volunteers who make sure families have what they need this season, I’m continually inspired by the way our community shows up for each other.
I hope your day is filled with rest, good food, and time with the people who matter most to you. Wishing you all a peaceful and joyful holiday.
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