State Representative, 17th Legislative District, Position 1 · Washington 2026 General Election

Ben Christly

Prefers Democratic Party

Flight nurse

The gist

Supports fully funding public schools.
Supports expanding trade schools and apprenticeships.
Supports shifting tax burden from families to large corporations.
Pledges to make Washington friendlier to small businesses.
Supports affordable health care access across the district.
Supports building more housing.

More about Ben

View sources (2)

Supports fully funding public schools.
Why I'm Running – Ben Christly
Campaign website · electbenchristly.com
“We need to invest in real pathways to good-paying jobs, and that starts with fully funding our public schools.”
Supports expanding trade schools and apprenticeships.
Why I'm Running – Ben Christly
Campaign website · electbenchristly.com
“We also need to expand access to trade schools, apprenticeships, vocational programs, and community colleges”
Supports shifting tax burden from families to large corporations.
Why I'm Running – Ben Christly
Campaign website · electbenchristly.com
“Working families and small businesses should not be carrying a disproportionate share of the tax burden while billion-dollar corporations find ways to avoid paying theirs.”
Pledges to make Washington friendlier to small businesses.
Why I'm Running – Ben Christly
Campaign website · electbenchristly.com
“I will fight to make Washington a more small-business-friendly state”
Supports affordable health care access across the district.
Why I'm Running – Ben Christly
Campaign website · electbenchristly.com
“We need to make healthcare affordable and accessible in every corner of our district”
Supports building more housing.
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
“building more housing”

Kevin Waters

Prefers Republican Party

State representative; economic development director

The gist

Supports investing in roads, bridges and broadband.
Supports practical steps to expand affordable housing.
Supports law enforcement and local safety programs.
Sponsored exempting child care providers from B&O tax.In office
Sponsored preference for Washington lumber in public works.In office
Voted against ESSB 6346, the 2026 tax on millionaires.In office
Voted against HB 1163's firearm purchase and transfer requirements.In office
Voted against HB 1217 limiting residential rent and fee increases.In office

In office = from the candidate's own official statements or legislation as an officeholder, not their campaign.

More about Kevin

View sources (9)

Supports investing in roads, bridges and broadband.
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 am working to invest in roads, bridges, and broadband”
Supports practical steps to expand affordable housing.
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 support practical solutions to expand affordable housing”
Supports law enforcement and local safety programs.
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 support law enforcement and local programs that keep neighborhoods secure.”
Sponsored exempting child care providers from B&O tax.
HB 1993 (2025 session): bill summary
Government record · Washington State Legislature · app.leg.wa.gov
“Exempting child care providers from the business and occupation tax.”
Sponsored preference for Washington lumber in public works.
HB 1726 (2025 session): bill summary
Government record · Washington State Legislature · app.leg.wa.gov
“Prioritizing lumber procured from Washington state lumber mills for the purpose of public works projects.”
Voted against ESSB 6346, the 2026 tax on millionaires.
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”
Voted against HB 1163's firearm purchase and transfer requirements.
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
“Final Passage as Amended by the Senate”
Voted against HB 1217 limiting residential rent and fee increases.
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 the Conference Committee”