Amy Walen

Amy Walen earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Queensland in 1990. Her career experience includes working as a legislator and business owner with a background in finance and human resources.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Amy Walen is a dedicated public servant, small business owner, and longtime advocate for equity, opportunity, and strong communities. Currently serving in the Washington House of Representatives, she brings a wealth of experience in local and state government, having also served as Mayor of Kirkland. Amy is known for her pragmatic leadership, commitment to bipartisan problem-solving, and focus on policies that improve the lives of working families. Her work is grounded in a deep belief that government should be a force for good—supporting children, strengthening public education, addressing housing affordability, and ensuring every Washingtonian has the opportunity to thrive.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Fighting for Working Families: Amy is committed to building an economy that works for everyone—by investing in childcare, workforce development, and small businesses. In the Senate, she’ll continue to champion policies that ease everyday costs for families and expand opportunities across the 48th District.Solving the Housing Crisis: As a former mayor and experienced legislator, Amy brings hands-on leadership to tackling Washington’s housing affordability crisis. She supports smart growth, tenant protections, and innovative policy solutions that allow people of all incomes to live, work, and thrive in our communities. For example, in the 2025–26 legislative session, she sponsored and passed HB 1757, which modified regulations for existing commercial buildings—allowing more commercial properties to be converted into much-needed residential housing.Protecting Our Freedoms: Amy believes deeply in safeguarding fundamental rights—reproductive freedom, LGBTQ+ equality, and democracy itself. In the 2025 Regular Session, she sponsored HB 1072 to preserve access to protected healthcare services, including end-of-life care, reproductive health care, and gender-affirming care. She will stand strong in the Senate against efforts to roll back hard-won progress and ensure Washington remains a place of inclusion, safety, and justice for all.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Amy is passionate about building thriving communities where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. She champions policies that support local businesses, expand access to affordable housing, and strengthen public education from early learning through career pathways. Amy is deeply committed to helping families thrive by ensuring access to child care, paid family leave, and vital health care services. Her focus is on practical, inclusive solutions that create economic opportunity, support working families, and ensure every person in Washington has a safe, stable place to call home.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

The book "Evicted" by Matthew Desmond highlights how housing instability affects opportunity. It reinforces my belief in policy rooted in economic justice, compassion, and structural change.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Integrity, transparency, empathy, and a commitment to public service are essential. Elected officials must listen to their communities, act on evidence, and make inclusive, future-focused decisions.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Crafting equitable, effective legislation; ensuring public funds are used responsibly; and being responsive to constituents’ needs and concerns.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

One of the most profound struggles in my life was navigating a breast cancer diagnosis while serving in public office. Balancing treatment, work, and family during that time was incredibly challenging. It gave me firsthand insight into the gaps and inequities in our healthcare system, especially for people managing serious illness while trying to maintain their jobs and care for their families. That experience deepened my commitment to expanding access to affordable, compassionate healthcare and supporting policies that ensure no one has to choose between their health and their livelihood.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

Collaborative and respectful. We should share goals for the public good, while maintaining checks and balances that ensure broad representation and input.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Addressing the affordable housing crisis, adapting to climate change, closing equity gaps in education and health care, and maintaining a fair tax system amid fiscal uncertainty.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

It can be helpful, but not required. Diverse perspectives enrich the Legislature, and what matters most is a deep commitment to public service and community understanding. My own experience — as a former mayor and current state representative — has given me a strong foundation in responsive governance, collaborative problem-solving, and policymaking that delivers real results, especially in areas like housing, healthcare access, and support for working families.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes. Trust and collaboration are essential for effective lawmaking. Strong relationships help build bipartisan support and lead to better outcomes for all Washingtonians.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Former Senator Karen Keiser is a model of dedication to workers’ rights, health care access, and legislative leadership with humility.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

My focus is on serving the people of the 48th Legislative District. That’s where I believe I can have the greatest impact right now.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

One of my constituents shared how hard it was to stay in our community after her rent doubled. Her story — and so many like it — drives my work to expand affordable housing and protect renters from displacement.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Yes, oversight is necessary. Emergency powers should be used responsibly, with transparency, checks and balances, and periodic legislative review.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

A bill to streamline state support for local governments converting underused commercial properties into housing — building on my past work with HB 1757.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Alliance for Gun Responsibility

Democrats for Diversity and Inclusion

Seattle King County REALTORS®

Washington Hospitality Association

Washington Multi-Family Housing Association’s Govt. Affairs Committee

International Union of Painters and Allied Trades

State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti

State Sen. Mike Chapman (24th LD)

State Rep. Larry Springer (45th LD)

State Rep. Sharon Tomiko-Santos (37th LD)

State Rep. Kristine Reeves (30th LD)

State Rep. Lauren Davis (32nd LD)

State Rep. David Hackney (11th LD)

State Rep. Davina Duerr (1st LD)

Bellevue Mayor Lynne Robinson

Redmond Mayor Angela Birney

Kirkland Mayor Kelli Curtis

Bellevue CM Dave Hamilton, Jared Nieuwenhuis

Kirkland CM Penny Sweet, John Pascal, John Tymczyszyn

Santos & Sue Contreras

What committees interest you?

Housing, Human Services, Education, Ways & Means, and Environment, Energy & Technology — areas where policy can deeply impact everyday lives, whether they be kids in public school, business owners, or working parents.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Transparency and accountability are non-negotiable. Government must be open about spending, ethical in decision-making, and accessible to the people it serves.

Do you support or oppose changes to the current state ballot initiative process? If so, what kind of changes would you consider?

I support preserving direct democracy but believe the process should include transparency in funding sources and limits on out-of-state influence.

Note: Walen submitted the above survey responses to [the profile publisher] on June 19, 2025.

Show past responsesHide past responses

June 17 submission

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Amy Walen is a dedicated public servant, small business owner, and longtime advocate for equity, opportunity, and strong communities. Currently serving in the Washington House of Representatives, she brings a wealth of experience in local and state government, having also served as Mayor of Kirkland. Amy is known for her pragmatic leadership, commitment to bipartisan problem-solving, and focus on policies that improve the lives of working families. Her work is grounded in a deep belief that government should be a force for good—supporting children, strengthening public education, addressing housing affordability, and ensuring every Washingtonian has the opportunity to thrive.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Fighting for Working Families: Amy is committed to building an economy that works for everyone—by investing in childcare, workforce development, and small businesses. She’ll continue to champion policies that ease everyday costs for families and expand opportunities across the 48th District in the Senate.Solving the Housing Crisis: As a former mayor and current legislator, Amy brings real experience to tackling housing affordability. She supports smart growth, tenant protections, and innovative solutions that ensure people of all incomes can live, work, and thrive in our communities. For example, in the 2025–26 legislative session, she sponsored and passed HB 1757, which modified regulations for existing commercial buildings, allowing more commercial properties to be converted into much-needed residential housing.Protecting Our Freedoms: Amy believes deeply in safeguarding fundamental rights—reproductive freedom, LGBTQ+ equality, and democracy itself. In the 2025 Regular Session, she sponsored HB 1072 to preserve access to protected healthcare services, including end-of-life care, reproductive health care, and gender-affirming care. She will stand strong in the Senate against efforts to roll back hard-won progress and ensure Washington remains a place of inclusion, safety, and justice for all.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Amy is passionate about building thriving communities where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. She champions policies that support local businesses, expand access to affordable housing, and strengthen public education from early learning through career pathways. Amy is deeply committed to helping families thrive by ensuring access to child care, paid family leave, and vital health care services. Her focus is on practical, inclusive solutions that create economic opportunity, support working families, and ensure every person in Washington has a safe, stable place to call home.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

The book "Evicted" by Matthew Desmond highlights how housing instability affects opportunity. It reinforces my belief in policy rooted in economic justice, compassion, and structural change.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Integrity, transparency, empathy, and an authentic commitment to public service are essential. Elected officials must listen to their communities, act on evidence, and make inclusive, future-focused decisions. These values ensure our communities receive the advocacy they deserve in the legislature.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Crafting equitable, effective legislation; ensuring public funds are used responsibly; and being responsive to constituents’ needs and concerns.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

One of the most profound struggles in my life was navigating a breast cancer diagnosis while serving in public office. Balancing treatment, work, and family during that time was incredibly challenging. It gave me firsthand insight into the gaps and inequities in our healthcare system, especially for people managing serious illness while trying to maintain their jobs and care for their families. That experience deepened my commitment to expanding access to affordable, compassionate healthcare and supporting policies that ensure no one has to choose between their health and their livelihood.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

Collaborative and respectful. We should share goals for the public good, while maintaining checks and balances that ensure broad representation and input.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Addressing the affordable housing crisis, adapting to climate change, closing equity gaps in education and health care, and maintaining a fair tax system amid fiscal uncertainty are top priorities for Amy. Through policy, Amy will continue to support growth, fairness, and stability for her constituents.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

It can be helpful, but not required. Diverse perspectives enrich the Legislature, and what matters most is a deep commitment to public service and community understanding. Amy's own experience as a former mayor and current state representative has given her a strong foundation in responsive governance, collaborative problem-solving, and policymaking that delivers real results, especially in areas like housing, healthcare access, and support for working families.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes. Trust and collaboration are essential for effective lawmaking. Strong relationships help build bipartisan support and lead to better outcomes for Washingtonians.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Former Senator Karen Keiser is a model of dedication to workers’ rights, health care access, and legislative leadership with humility.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

My focus is on serving the people of the 48th Legislative District. That’s where I believe I can have the greatest impact right now.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Amy spoke with a woman shared how hard it was to stay in her community after her rent doubled. Her story — and so many like it — drives Amy's work to expand affordable housing and protect renters from displacement.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Yes, oversight is necessary. Emergency powers should be used responsibly, with transparency, checks and balances, and periodic legislative review.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

A bill to streamline state support for local governments converting underused commercial properties into housing — building on her past work with HB 1757.

What committees interest you?

Amy wants to continue her work in the Housing, Human Services, Education, Ways & Means, and Environment, Energy & Technology Committees. These are areas where policy can deeply impact everyday lives, whether they be working families, business owners, or children in our public schools.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Transparency and accountability are non-negotiable. Government must be open about spending, ethical in decision-making, and accessible to the people it serves.

Do you support or oppose changes to the current state ballot initiative process? If so, what kind of changes would you consider?

Amy supports preserving direct democracy but believes the process should include transparency in funding sources and limits on out-of-state influence.

Other survey responses

[the profile publisher] identified the following surveys, interviews, and questionnaires Walen completed for other organizations.

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VoteWA Profile

Amy Walen did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

Amy Walen did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

Amy Walen did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2020 Candidate Connection survey.