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State Representative, 44th 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

  • Chris ElderPrefers Republican Party

    • Proposes cutting wasteful spending instead of raising taxes

  • Brandy DonaghyPrefers Democratic Party

    • Voted for SB 6346, the 2026 tax on millionairesIn office

Public safety

  • Chris ElderPrefers Republican Party

    • Supports raising Washington's police staffing levels

  • Brandy DonaghyPrefers Democratic Party

    No documented position found.

Education

  • Chris ElderPrefers Republican Party

    • Supports expanding skill-building, college and trades pathways

  • Brandy DonaghyPrefers Democratic Party

    No documented position found.

Housing

  • Chris ElderPrefers Republican Party

    • Supports easing regulations that hinder affordable housing

  • Brandy DonaghyPrefers Democratic Party

    • Sponsored 2025 law protecting owners in solicited real estate dealsIn office

Economy & jobs

  • Chris ElderPrefers Republican Party

    • Supports pro-growth policies to attract jobs and small businesses

  • Brandy DonaghyPrefers Democratic Party

    • Supports affordable childcare and fair childcare worker wages

Roads & infrastructure

  • Chris ElderPrefers Republican Party

    No documented position found.

  • Brandy DonaghyPrefers Democratic Party

    • Sponsored 2025 law improving young driver safetyIn office

Environment & parks

  • Chris ElderPrefers Republican Party

    • Supports keeping parks and trails clean, safe and accessible

  • Brandy DonaghyPrefers Democratic Party

    • Supports reducing carbon emissions and promoting clean energy

Health & human services

  • Chris ElderPrefers Republican Party

    No documented position found.

  • Brandy DonaghyPrefers Democratic Party

    • Supports reproductive and gender-affirming health care
    • Sponsored 2026 law expanding albuterol access in schoolsIn office

Government & transparency

  • Chris ElderPrefers Republican Party

    • Supports full transparency in government spending

  • Brandy DonaghyPrefers Democratic 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; 9 issues covered in this race.