United States Representative, District 8 2-year term
Dave Reichert
(Prefers Republican Party)
Elected Experience: King County Sheriff, 1998-2005; US House of Representatives, 2005-Current
Other Professional Experience: Dave served in the US Air Force Reserve (1971-1976). Joined the King County Sheriff’s Office in 1972. In 1998 became King County’s first elected sheriff in 30 years
Education: Concordia Lutheran College, AA
Community Service: Served on King County’s Domestic Violence Council. Board of Directors for Special Olympics of Washington. Co-Chair of King County Methamphetamine Coalition. Former Member of King County Committee to End Homelessness. Co-Founder of King County Sheriff’s Police Activities League. Youth coach and counselor. Two time Washington Medal of Valor Recipient. National Sheriff of the Year
Statement:Leadership. As a public servant, my energy is focused on spurring our economy, upholding our obligations to our veterans, ensuring our children have access to good schools, protecting our freedom to access quality doctors, reforming our broken immigration system and defending the vulnerable. I will continue working to reform our tax code, cut spending, and reduce regulations in an effort to enhance private sector innovation and create jobs.
Integrity. In tough times, it becomes all too easy to serve personal interests, forget the needs of neighbors, and toss integrity aside. I have always served our community, our state, and our nation with an optimistic spirit. I believe our best days are ahead, and America will continue to be the greatest nation, because we never surrender and we always pull together. We are free and must fight to remain free for our children and grandchildren.
Service. From the first day I put on my Air Force uniform until today, I have committed myself to service. As a sheriff’s deputy, I saw the most humbling acts of service and selfless sacrifice. I have a servant’s heart and want to make America even better for future generations. I hope to earn your trust by serving with honesty and representing you with integrity.
Teamwork. I’m a pragmatic leader, believing it’s more important to solve problems than claim credit or be trapped in partisanship. Whether running a small business, nursing the sick, tending an orchard, raising a family, or serving in the military, everyone wonders why our problems persist. America is driven by innovation, inspired by freedom, and determined to make the world a safer and better place. With leadership founded on integrity, humble service, and teamwork, we will put these tough days behind us and turn our energy toward future opportunities.
Contact: (425) 455-3283; ;
Jason Ritchie
(Prefers Democratic Party)
Elected Experience: None
Other Professional Experience: Owner of Handi Habitats Accessible Construction. Former Adjunct Professor.
Education: BA History/Political Science; University of Michigan; Masters in History, Eastern Michigan University
Community Service:Volunteer, Issaquah School District
Statement: Congress is failing too many Washingtonians. I decided to run for office because partisan bickering shut down the government and harmed thousands of small businesses, including my own. This isn’t the America I want my sons to grow up in.
I started my business, Handi Habitats, as a labor of love after a dark time for my family. When my father had a stroke that limited his movement, I jumped in to help by reconstructing his house for accessibility. Realizing how important this need was, I wanted to do more. Since then, I have helped thousands of injured workers, veterans and seniors live at home safely.
I’ve never run for political office and I have no plans to be a career politician. I’m running because I want to give back and I believe the people of the 8th District need common sense leadership in Congress. We don’t have to settle for gridlock. We must focus on the basics: creating jobs, promoting economic fairness and ensuring government works for its people.
When our congressman voted against ensuring women get equal pay, he betrayed working women in our district. When he refused to stand up to his party to pass immigration reform, he forgot America is still the land of opportunity. When he voted for wiretapping without a warrant, he voted against our freedom and our privacy.
I believe my family and my small business deserve better from our federal government. I believe your family deserves better, too. Together, we can work toward a government that focuses on common sense and practical results. To end the gridlock in Congress, I need your vote.
I’m honored to have the endorsements of Boeing machinists, local grocery workers, community leaders like Senator Mark Mullet, Rep. Tana Senn, and many more.
Contact: (425) 324-6888; ;