Former Snoqualmie City Councilmember Jim Mayhew enters State Senate race in redrawn 12th Legislative District

SNOQUALMIE - Former Snoqualmie City Council member and business executive Jim Mayhew announced his candidacy for the State Senate in the recently redrawn 12th Legislative District on April 16. The Democrat, who supports women's reproductive rights and increased funding for public education, will face incumbent Republican Brad Hawkins in what is now considered a competitive "swing" district following a Federal judge's decision to redraw the district boundaries.

The new 12th District spans both sides of the Cascade Mountains, including most of Chelan County and portions of King and Snohomish counties.

Mayhew emphasized his commitment to uniting the diverse communities of the 12th District around shared priorities. "I've spent my career in business, and then in local government, taking a data-driven approach– rooted in accountability and making every dollar count," said Mayhew. "In state government we need this focus to maximize investments in our schools, the welfare of our kids, the affordability of our communities, protecting the environment, and the safety of our roads and bridges."

Among Mayhew's top priorities are addressing affordable housing, improving access to behavioral health and addiction recovery services, and increasing investments in public education. Drawing on his personal experiences with poverty and housing insecurity as a child, Mayhew stressed the importance of ensuring that every child in the state has access to quality education, nutrition, and stable home environments.

Mayhew also plans to leverage his business and budgeting expertise to tackle issues such as freight mobility, workforce training, and infrastructure funding. To better understand the needs and perspectives of the district's diverse communities, he will embark on a "listening tour" as part of his campaign.

In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court's Dobbs decision, Mayhew has positioned himself as a strong advocate for women's healthcare and autonomy. "One of the clearest contrasts in this race is my unflinching commitment to reproductive health care and rights," he stated.