State
State Representative, 2nd 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.
Taxes & budget
William DehnelPrefers Labor Democrat Party
- Supports a tax system that asks more of higher earners.
Andrew BarkisPrefers Republican Party
- Opposed a proposed grocery tax and utility cost increases.
- Voted against the 2026 tax on income over $1 million.In office
Public safety
William DehnelPrefers Labor Democrat Party
No documented position found.
Andrew BarkisPrefers Republican Party
- Opposes shortening sentences for serious crimes.
Education
William DehnelPrefers Labor Democrat Party
- Supports fully funding special education and early learning.
- Opposes initiatives IL26-001 and IL26-638 on this year's ballot.
Andrew BarkisPrefers Republican Party
No documented position found.
Housing
William DehnelPrefers Labor Democrat Party
No documented position found.
Andrew BarkisPrefers Republican Party
- Opposes frequent building code updates that raise home prices.
- Sponsored a law allowing residential lot splitting.In office
- Voted against the 2025 law limiting residential rent increases.In office
Economy & jobs
William DehnelPrefers Labor Democrat Party
- Supports collective bargaining rights and expanded childcare access.
Andrew BarkisPrefers Republican Party
No documented position found.
Roads & infrastructure
William DehnelPrefers Labor Democrat Party
- Supports funding rural roads, broadband and flood resilience.
Andrew BarkisPrefers Republican Party
- Proposed repairing winter-damaged roads without a gas tax increase.
Health & human services
William DehnelPrefers Labor Democrat Party
- Pledges to lower health care costs for rural communities.
Andrew BarkisPrefers Republican Party
No documented position found.
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.