Bryce Nickel

Bryce Nickel was born in Anacortes, Washington. Nickel graduated from Anacortes High School. Nickel earned an associate degree from Skagit Valley Community College in 2008, a bachelor's degree from Central Washington University in 2012, and a graduate degree from Central Washington University in 2025. Nickel's career experience includes working as an advocate and consultant.[1][2]

Nickel has been affiliated with the following organizations:[1]

Autism Society of Washington

Homes & Hope Community Land Trust

Snohomish County Coordinated Entry Advisory Committee

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a lifelong Washingtonian, a Central Washington University postgraduate with studies in accessibility and ITAM, and a proud parent supporting a family of six in Snohomish County. As an autistic and developmentally disabled self-advocate, I am running to make history as the first openly developmentally disabled member of Congress. My perspective is shaped by the everyday struggles of working-class people locked out of power. I know what it means to look at our systems from the outside, and I will ensure our government prioritizes human dignity over corporate profit.

My commitment to public service is rooted in firsthand experience with homelessness, poverty, and navigating a fragile safety net. These challenges became the driving force behind my life's work. I have dedicated my career, education, and volunteer life to creating tangible, community-led solutions for working families and marginalized groups in our region.

I have worked across multiple sectors to advocate for a fairer society. As a Marysville School District paraeducator, I invest in our youth. Through leadership roles on the Snohomish Coordinated Entry Advisory Board, Housing Hope, and Homes and Hope Land Trust, I fight on the front lines of our regional housing crisis. My advocacy extends into tech and sports, collaborating on major sensory accessibility initiatives with Xbox at Microsoft, the Seattle Mariners, and the Autism Society of Washington.

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?

America is facing a severe housing crisis driven by corporate greed and systemic neglect. I believe that safe, stable housing is a fundamental human right, not a speculative commodity for wealthy investors. In Congress, I will fight to fully fund Section 8 vouchers so no family is left on a waiting list for years just to secure shelter. We must launch a massive, federal investment in large-scale public housing and community land trusts to build millions of affordable homes. By taking on predatory developers, expanding tenant protections, and stabilizing costs, we can end homelessness and ensure that every working family, senior, and young person has a safe and permanent place to call home.As a developmentally disabled and autistic self-advocate, I am running to bring true, lived representation to the halls of power. For too long, decisions about the disability community have been made by people who do not understand our daily struggles. I know firsthand what it means to survive on a fragile safety net that often traps people in systemic poverty. In Congress, I will champion policies that dismantle these barriers. We must ensure robust funding for home and community-based services, protect inclusive education, and expand workplace accessibility. It is time for a government that treats disabled Americans with the dignity, respect, and equal opportunity they deserve.The massive wealth generated by artificial intelligence and automation must benefit the public good, not just corporate executives and shareholders. To prepare for this rapidly shifting economic landscape, we must establish a true economic floor. I support creating a Universal Basic Income and a federal jobs guarantee to ensure income security for all. Crucially, we must modernize our safety net by removing the outdated asset and income caps on SSI and SSDI that trap disabled people in poverty. We must also eliminate arbitrary limits on unemployment benefits. By nationalizing major AI research and development, we can ensure tech serves humanity, providing stability and dignity for every worker.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am equally passionate about transforming public education, expanding climate-resilient infrastructure, and enacting progressive tax reform to fund these vital services. We must fully fund our public school systems and ensure that paraeducators and teachers receive thriving wages, while making all public colleges and trade schools tuition-free. Additionally, we need massive federal investments in green public transit and sustainable infrastructure to connect our communities and combat climate change. To pay for these initiatives, we must directly confront extreme wealth inequality by instituting a federal wealth tax on billionaires and closing the loopholes that allow giant corporations to avoid paying their fair share.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to Senator Bernie Sanders and historic disability rights champion Judy Heumann. Senator Sanders has demonstrated decades of unwavering commitment to the working class, proving that an elected official can reject corporate money and build a movement centered entirely on human rights, wealth redistribution, and universal programs like Medicare for All. Judy Heumann’s legendary activism, including leading the historic Section 504 sit-in, showed the power of radical disability solidarity and demanding that institutions bend to human dignity rather than the other way around. Together, their examples serve as my blueprint: combining an uncompromising democratic socialist vision for the economy with aggressive, frontline advocacy for civil rights to ensure that no one is left behind by the state.

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

An elected official must possess unwavering solidarity with the working class, structural courage, and deep empathy rooted in lived experience. True representation means refusing to capitulate to corporate lobbyists, billionaires, or special interests who profit off the suffering of ordinary people. A representative must have the courage to challenge failed systems and fight for bold, transformative policies rather than accepting a status quo that leaves families behind. Furthermore, accountability and transparency are non-negotiable; an official belongs to the community that elected them. They must listen to marginalized voices, view policy through the lens of human rights, and treat public service as a duty to build a floor of stability and dignity for all.

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

An elected representative's core responsibility is to act as a direct, unbought advocate for the material well-being of their constituents, while actively dismantling the legislative barriers that trap people in poverty. This means using the power of the office to draft and pass laws that guarantee basic human rights like housing, healthcare, and economic security. A representative must also provide robust, accessible oversight of federal agencies to ensure that social safety nets function smoothly and treat people with dignity, rather than serving as bureaucratic obstacles. Finally, the role requires using the congressional platform to amplify the voices of the working class and marginalized communities, ensuring that those who have been historically locked out of power are the ones driving the national agenda.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want my legacy to be that I permanently shifted the political landscape by proving that a working-class, developmentally disabled person can organize, win, and govern effectively. I want to be remembered for helping codify housing and healthcare as fundamental, non-negotiable human rights in America, ensuring that no one is ever forced into poverty or homelessness simply because of a medical condition, a disability, or market fluctuations.

Beyond specific legislation, I want to leave behind a more inclusive and accessible democracy. By serving openly and authentically, I hope to inspire a new generation of disabled and marginalized leaders to claim their rightful seats at the table. Ultimately, I want my legacy to be a nation that finally values human dignity over corporate profit, where a robust economic floor ensures that every single person has the genuine freedom to pursue happiness.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My very first job was picking strawberries on a local farm when I was just 12 years old, an experience that taught me the value of grueling, honest labor and the grit of our agricultural working class. However, my first job as an adult was launching my own independent security company. I stepped straight into entrepreneurship by hiring a crew of two employees to secure and monitor a local construction site. I held that role and ran the operation for two years, which grounded me in real-world management, payroll, and accountability. This journey from field worker to business creator shapes my deep commitment to supporting workers and local economies alike.

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

The defining struggle of my life has been navigating the cruel, bureaucratic maze of a broken safety net. As a disabled individual supporting a family of six, I have faced the exhausting, decade-long waits for Section 8 housing vouchers and the soul-crushing hurdles of securing SSDI and basic accessibility support. These aren't just administrative delays; they are policy choices that trap families in housing insecurity and systemic poverty. I know the terror of fighting a system that feels designed to make you give up. This grueling, firsthand struggle is exactly why I am running. I am not a career politician looking at statistics, I am a survivor of these failed systems, ready to fight to fully fund and fix them.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

The U.S. House of Representatives is uniquely structured to serve as the "People's House," designed by the framers of the Constitution to be the most direct and immediate reflection of the public will. Unlike the Senate or the presidency, which were historically insulated from the general electorate, every single member of the House has always been chosen through direct popular vote. This makes the chamber highly dynamic and deeply tied to the immediate needs, frustrations, and movements of working-class communities across the country.

This close connection to the public is reinforced by a perpetual two-year election cycle, forcing representatives to face constant accountability at the ballot box. This rapid turnaround ensures that the House is highly sensitive to shifting political winds and grassroots demands. Furthermore, the chamber holds unique constitutional leverage through the Origination Clause, which dictates that all federal bills for raising revenue must start in the House. This "power of the purse" ensures that the branch closest to the people has the final say on how public funds are initially generated and prioritized.

Finally, the House is distinct because it relies on proportional representation based on population, rather than the flat, two-seats-per-state model of the Senate. This structure gives densely populated and rapidly growing communities their rightful share of federal influence, allowing for a more accurate cross-section of the nation's diverse working class. Combined with its sole authority to initiate impeachment proceedings against corrupt officials, the House stands as a uniquely powerful, localized weapon for democratic accountability and structural change.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Over the next decade, our greatest challenges are the rapid erosion of the economic safety net and the corporate exploitation of automation. We are facing a catastrophic housing crisis, driven by a system that treats a basic human right as a speculative commodity, leaving millions to languish on decade-long waitlists for Section 8. Simultaneously, the unmitigated rise of artificial intelligence threatens to displace millions of workers, shifting immense wealth to tech executives while leaving the working class behind. If we do not act immediately to establish a true economic floor, by fully funding housing, removing asset caps on disability support, and implementing a Universal Basic Income, we will see unprecedented levels of inequality, poverty, and corporate control over our democracy.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Compromise is often treated as an inherent virtue in Washington, but I believe it becomes dangerous when it means negotiating away basic human dignity or watering down the survival needs of the working class. While collaborative policymaking is necessary to build coalitions, compromising with corporate lobbyists or billionaires who profit off poverty is unacceptable. We cannot compromise on the human right to housing, fully funded disability support, or economic survival in the tech era. Bipartisan consensus that cuts social programs or protects corporate interests is a failure of leadership. True progress requires structural courage, not capitulation. I will never compromise on the fundamental rights and material stability of our communities.

What was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember?

The defining historical event of my youth was the 1999 WTO protests, famously known as the "Battle of Seattle." At 15 years old, watching tens of thousands of steelworkers, teamsters, environmentalists, and students completely shut down the World Trade Organization ministerial meetings right in our backyard changed how I viewed the world. It was a massive, historic realization that ordinary working people possess the collective power to stand up against corporate globalization and unregulated capitalism. Seeing the raw solidarity on the streets of Seattle taught me that trade and economic policies must serve human dignity, workers' rights, and environmental protections rather than corporate profits.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Our community deserves a dedicated advocate who will tirelessly address pressing challenges. With a strong commitment to our district, I am ready to bring my experience, passion, and dedication to serve as a representative.

With a postgraduate degree and a background in community service, I have actively worked to make a positive impact. Serving in leadership roles for committees addressing homelessness and affordable housing, I have gained valuable firsthand experience in tackling these pressing issues.

As a self-advocate for the disability community, I understand the challenges we face and am committed to advocating for our rights. I value open and transparent communication, bringing a straightforward and genuine approach to my work.

Ending homelessness and creating affordable housing are my top priorities. Additionally, I am dedicated to supporting the disability community and preparing for the changes automation and AI will bring. This includes advocating for tuition-free public universities and a universal basic income.

AI and automation will impact many aspects of our lives, and we must prepare to ensure everyone benefits. By focusing on education, economic stability, and inclusive policies, we can create a future where technology serves us all.

With my dedication to advocacy and my background in addressing homelessness, affordable housing, disabilities, and preparing for AI-driven changes, I am prepared to serve as a passionate advocate for our community.

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?

Our community deserves a dedicated advocate who will tirelessly address pressing challenges. I am committed to ending homelessness and creating affordable housing, ensuring everyone has a safe and secure place to live. By leveraging my experience in community service and leadership roles on committees addressing these issues, I have gained valuable firsthand knowledge and am ready to bring effective solutions to our district. My approach is to work collaboratively with local organizations and stakeholders to develop comprehensive strategies that provide long-term stability and support for those in need.As a self-advocate for the disability community, I understand the challenges we face and am driven by a personal commitment to advocating for our rights. I value open and transparent communication, bringing a straightforward and genuine approach to my work. My experience as a community leader has equipped me with the skills to effectively represent our interests and ensure that our voices are heard in policy discussions. I am dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where individuals with disabilities have equal opportunities and access to resources, fostering a society that respects and supports all its members.We must prepare for the profound changes automation and AI will bring. This includes advocating for tuition-free public universities and a universal basic income to ensure everyone benefits from technological advancements. By focusing on education and economic stability, we can create a future where technology serves us all. Policies should address job displacement due to automation, provide comprehensive retraining programs, and promote hobbies, travel, and adventures. We must also give people meaningful goals, such as space exploration, research, and creative pursuits. It is essential to teach that fulfillment can come from personal growth and contributions to humanity, not just traditional work.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about addressing homelessness, creating affordable housing, supporting the disability community, and preparing for the impact of automation and AI. By focusing on these areas, we can build a future where everyone has equal opportunities and technology serves us all. My goal is to implement policies that provide comprehensive support for the homeless, ensure accessible and affordable housing, advocate for the rights and inclusion of individuals with disabilities, and develop strategies to manage the economic and social impacts of AI and automation. Additionally, I support Forward Party ideals such as ranked-choice voting, which promotes fairer elections, and other reforms aimed at increasing political transparency.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to Andrew Yang, whose innovative thinking, dedication to addressing future challenges, and commitment to improving the lives of everyday Americans have profoundly influenced me. His forward-thinking approach to politics aligns closely with my values and aspirations, which is why I joined the Forward Party, a movement he founded to promote political reform and a more inclusive government.

Andrew Yang's advocacy for a Universal Basic Income (UBI) resonated with many, including myself, as a bold and necessary step towards addressing the economic disruptions caused by automation and technological advancements. His proposal to provide every American adult with a guaranteed monthly income, known as the Freedom Dividend, highlighted his deep understanding of the economic challenges that lie ahead and his willingness to propose innovative solutions. Yang's ability to bring attention to this issue and generate a national conversation about the future of work and income security is truly inspiring.

Moreover, Andrew Yang's emphasis on data-driven policies and his commitment to addressing the root causes of problems rather than just the symptoms are qualities I greatly admire. He approaches issues with a clear, analytical mindset, always seeking to understand the underlying factors and proposing solutions based on evidence and research. This pragmatic approach to policymaking is something I strive to emulate in my own career.

Yang's entrepreneurial background and his success in the tech industry also provide a unique perspective that is often lacking in traditional political discourse. His experience as a successful entrepreneur gives him firsthand knowledge of the challenges and opportunities within the business world, allowing him to advocate for policies that support innovation and economic growth while also ensuring that the benefits of technological advancements are widely shared.

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

To understand my political philosophy, I would recommend several works that encapsulate the values and issues I prioritize. "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander is a seminal book that delves into the systemic issues of mass incarceration and racial injustice in America. This book is crucial for understanding the deep-rooted inequalities that I aim to address through comprehensive social justice policies. Alexander's work highlights the need for reform in our criminal justice system and underscores the importance of advocating for marginalized communities.

Another essential read is "The War on Normal People" by Andrew Yang. This book provides a thorough analysis of the economic impact of automation and AI, and how these technologies are transforming the job market. Yang's insights into the challenges and opportunities posed by automation resonate with my commitment to preparing our society for these changes. His advocacy for policies like universal basic income and tuition-free public universities aligns with my vision of ensuring economic stability and equal opportunities for all.

For a more visual and accessible medium, the documentary film "Inequality for All" by Robert Reich is highly recommended. This film explores the widening income inequality in the United States and its effects on the middle class. Reich's compelling argument for economic reforms and the need to support working families is central to my political philosophy. The film effectively illustrates the importance of addressing economic disparities and promoting policies that foster a fair and just society.

Additionally, the essay "Disability Visibility" edited by Alice Wong offers powerful perspectives from individuals within the disability community. This collection of essays provides valuable insights into the experiences and challenges faced by people with disabilities, reinforcing my commitment to advocating for their rights and inclusion.

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

An elected official should embody a range of characteristics and principles essential for effective governance and representation. Integrity is paramount; an official must consistently act in an honest and ethical manner, ensuring that their decisions are always in the best interest of their constituents. Transparency is crucial, as it builds trust and fosters accountability. Open communication about policies, decisions, and finances allows constituents to stay informed and engaged. Empathy is another key trait; understanding and sharing the feelings of others enables an official to represent the diverse needs and perspectives of the community accurately.

Dedication and commitment are also vital. An elected official must be willing to work tirelessly to address the pressing issues facing their community, demonstrating resilience and perseverance in the face of challenges. Strong communication skills are essential for both listening to constituents and articulating policies clearly and effectively. The ability to listen actively and understand different viewpoints ensures that all voices are heard and considered in the decision-making process.

Additionally, an official should possess a genuine passion for public service, driven by a desire to make a positive impact on their community. This includes advocating for vulnerable populations, such as the homeless and individuals with disabilities, and working towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society. Adaptability and openness to new ideas are also important, as the ability to respond to changing circumstances and embrace innovative solutions can lead to more effective governance.

Ultimately, the most important characteristics and principles for an elected official include integrity, transparency, empathy, dedication, strong communication skills, a passion for public service, and adaptability.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I believe several qualities make me well-suited to be a successful officeholder. First and foremost is my dedication to public service and my genuine commitment to improving the lives of my constituents. Having experienced homelessness and disability firsthand, I bring a unique perspective and deep empathy for those facing similar challenges. This personal connection drives my passion for advocating for comprehensive and inclusive policies that address homelessness, affordable housing, and support for disabled individuals.

My strong work ethic and perseverance are key qualities. As a Board Member for the Homes and Hope Land Trust, a committee member for the Housing Hope Policy Committee, the Lead Member on the Snohomish County Coordinated Entry Advisory Committee, and a volunteer for Take This and the Xbox Autism committee, I have consistently demonstrated my ability to manage multiple responsibilities effectively. These roles require a high level of commitment, organizational skills, and the ability to collaborate with others to achieve common goals.

I am also a pragmatic and innovative thinker, qualities that are crucial for addressing complex and evolving issues such as the impact of automation and AI on the workforce. My commitment to data-driven policies ensures that I approach problems with a clear, analytical mindset, always seeking to understand the underlying factors and proposing solutions based on evidence and research. This approach helps me develop practical and effective strategies that can lead to meaningful change.

Additionally, my leadership skills and ability to collaborate with others are vital for a successful officeholder. My current roles have honed my leadership and teamwork abilities, as I regularly coordinate with colleagues, community members, and stakeholders to drive initiatives forward.

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

The core responsibilities of someone elected to this office encompass representing the interests and needs of their constituents, crafting and supporting legislation that addresses community issues, and ensuring government accountability and transparency. First and foremost, an elected official must serve as a voice for the people, actively listening to their concerns and advocating for their needs in the legislative process. This involves engaging with community members, attending local events, and maintaining open lines of communication to stay informed about the challenges and opportunities within the district.

Crafting and supporting legislation is another fundamental responsibility. An official must work collaboratively with colleagues to develop policies that address pressing issues such as homelessness, affordable housing, and the impact of automation and AI on the workforce. This requires a deep understanding of the issues, as well as the ability to negotiate and build consensus to pass effective laws. Additionally, an elected official must be proactive in identifying emerging trends and challenges, and work to implement forward-thinking policies that promote long-term stability and growth.

Ensuring government accountability and transparency is also critical. This includes overseeing the proper use of public funds, monitoring the implementation of policies, and holding government officials and agencies accountable for their actions. An elected official should advocate for transparent decision-making processes and provide regular updates to constituents about their work and the outcomes of legislative actions. This transparency helps build trust and ensures that the government remains responsive to the needs of the people.

Furthermore, an elected official must prioritize the welfare of vulnerable populations, such as the homeless and individuals with disabilities.

What legacy would you like to leave?

The legacy I would like to leave is one of transformative change and enduring impact, particularly for the disability community. I envision a society where individuals with disabilities have equal access to resources, opportunities, and a supportive community that empowers them to thrive. To achieve this, I have several specific goals that I am passionate about pursuing.

Firstly, I would like to build community centers focused on the disability community, similar to the Arc's Legacy Center. These centers would serve as hubs for resources, support, and community eng