The Gist
State Senator, 21st Legislative District
Photo of Marko Liias
Marko LiiasWashington Secretary of State, Online Voters' Guide

Marko Liias

Candidate for State Senator, 21st Legislative District

Prefers Democratic Party

Background

Occupation
State senator
Campaign website
markoliias.com

State senator since 2014 and chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, previously Senate majority floor leader; a state representative from 2008 to 2014 and a Mukilteo City Council member from 2006 to 2008. Adjunct professor at Everett Community College.

Report

Photo: Washington Secretary of State, Online Voters' Guide

Documented positions

Taxes & budget

  • Voted for ESSB 6346, the 2026 tax on millionaires.In office

    Recorded as voting yea on "Final Passage As Amended by the House" of ESSB 6346 in the Senate, March 11, 2026 (it passed 27–21).

    ESSB 6346 (2026 session): bill summary

    Government record · Washington State Legislature · app.leg.wa.gov

    “Establishing a tax on millionaires.”
    Roll-call votes on bill 6346, 2025–26 biennium

    Government record · Washington State Legislature (legislative web services) · wslwebservices.leg.wa.gov

    “Final Passage As Amended by the House”
    Report

Public safety

  • Voted for HB 1163's firearm purchase and transfer requirements.In office

    Recorded as voting yea on "3rd Reading & Final Passage as Amended by the Senate" of E2SHB 1163 in the Senate, April 14, 2025 (it passed 29–19).

    E2SHB 1163 (2025 session): bill summary

    Government record · Washington State Legislature · app.leg.wa.gov

    “Enhancing requirements relating to the purchase, transfer, and possession of firearms.”
    Roll-call votes on bill 1163, 2025–26 biennium

    Government record · Washington State Legislature (legislative web services) · wslwebservices.leg.wa.gov

    “3rd Reading & Final Passage as Amended by the Senate”
    Report

Education

  • Sponsored law restricting student cellphone use in schools.In office

    Prime sponsor of SB 5346, enacted as chapter 225, Laws of 2026.

    SSB 5346 (2025 session): bill summary

    Government record · Washington State Legislature · app.leg.wa.gov

    “Restricting mobile device usage by public school students.”
    Report

Housing

  • Supports more housing near light rail and transit.

    Candidate statement, Online Voters' Guide, November 3, 2026 General Election

    Provided by the campaign · Washington Secretary of State (statement written by the candidate) · voter.votewa.gov

    “I've demanded more housing near growing light rail and transit to improve mobility and reduce transportation costs.”
    Report

  • Voted for HB 1217 limiting residential rent and fee increases.In office

    Recorded as voting yea on "Final Passage as Recommended by Conference Committee" of EHB 1217 in the Senate, April 27, 2025 (it passed 27–20).

    EHB 1217 (2025 session): bill summary

    Government record · Washington State Legislature · app.leg.wa.gov

    “by limiting rent and fee increases”
    Roll-call votes on bill 1217, 2025–26 biennium

    Government record · Washington State Legislature (legislative web services) · wslwebservices.leg.wa.gov

    “Final Passage as Recommended by Conference Committee”
    Report

Roads & infrastructure

  • Sponsored the 2025–27 state transportation budget.In office

    Prime sponsor of SB 5161, enacted as chapter 416, Laws of 2025.

    ESSB 5161 (2025 session): bill summary

    Government record · Washington State Legislature · app.leg.wa.gov

    “Making transportation appropriations for the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium.”
    Report

Environment & parks

  • Sponsored a bill on the tire chemical 6PPD.In office

    Prime sponsor of SB 6119 (2026).

    SB 6119 (2026 session): bill summary

    Government record · Washington State Legislature · app.leg.wa.gov

    “Concerning 6PPD and regrettable 6PPD substitutes in tires.”
    Report

  • Sponsored 2026 law expanding access to electric vehicles.In office

    Prime sponsor of SB 6354, enacted as chapter 186, Laws of 2026.

    ESSB 6354 (2026 session): bill summary

    Government record · Washington State Legislature · app.leg.wa.gov

    “Advancing transportation electrification by expanding access to electric vehicles already being sold in Washington and increasing associated funding.”
    Report

All sources (15)

Positions are summarized from the sources listed and are not inferred from party affiliation. Items marked “Provided by” were published by the candidate's verified campaign or party office under our campaign content standards. See something wrong? Use the Report link beside it, or contact us.