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State Representative, 17th Legislative District

Position 1

Vote for
1
Term
2 years
Candidates
2
Election
Nov 3, 2026

What this office does: Each legislative district elects two state representatives (Position 1 and 2), who vote on Washington laws and the state budget.

CandidatesCompare by issue

Taxes & budget

  • Ben ChristlyPrefers Democratic Party

    • Supports shifting tax burden from families to large corporations.

  • Kevin WatersPrefers Republican Party

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

Public safety

  • Ben ChristlyPrefers Democratic Party

    No documented position found.

  • Kevin WatersPrefers Republican Party

    • Supports law enforcement and local safety programs.
    • Voted against HB 1163's firearm purchase and transfer requirements.In office

Education

  • Ben ChristlyPrefers Democratic Party

    • Supports fully funding public schools.
    • Supports expanding trade schools and apprenticeships.

  • Kevin WatersPrefers Republican Party

    No documented position found.

Housing

  • Ben ChristlyPrefers Democratic Party

    • Supports building more housing.

  • Kevin WatersPrefers Republican Party

    • Supports practical steps to expand affordable housing.
    • Voted against HB 1217 limiting residential rent and fee increases.In office

Economy & jobs

  • Ben ChristlyPrefers Democratic Party

    • Pledges to make Washington friendlier to small businesses.

  • Kevin WatersPrefers Republican Party

    • Sponsored preference for Washington lumber in public works.In office

Roads & infrastructure

  • Ben ChristlyPrefers Democratic Party

    No documented position found.

  • Kevin WatersPrefers Republican Party

    • Supports investing in roads, bridges and broadband.

Health & human services

  • Ben ChristlyPrefers Democratic Party

    • Supports affordable health care access across the district.

  • Kevin WatersPrefers Republican Party

    • Sponsored exempting child care providers from B&O tax.In office

Challengers are listed first and incumbents last; otherwise candidates appear in ballot order. The Gist does not rank, rate or endorse candidates. Only positions backed by a cited source are shown; 7 issues covered in this race.