Daria Ilgen

Daria Ilgen earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder and a graduate degree from Hult International Business School. His career experience includes working in business development.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m a Kitsap husband, dad to two grade school kids, son of an immigrant, small farmer, community advocate, and Democratic Party leader - rooted in this community and invested in its future.

My wife, a local small business owner, and I are raising two kids in North Kitsap alongside our farm animals, including alpacas and pigs. Our days revolve around school drop-offs, kids sporting events, farm chores, supporting her business, serving on community boards, and weekend camping trips.

My mom’s family came to America in search of freedom and opportunity. My dad grew up working-class and taught me to take on hard challenges, stay humble, work hard, and give back more than I take.

I studied political science, earned an international MBA, and lived and worked in China, the UAE, and Singapore. For nearly 20 years, I’ve helped startups and global companies cut through complexity -bringing people together, making tough budget decisions, setting priorities, fixing broken systems, and delivering practical results.

I’m running because Kitsap needs leaders with real-world professional and financial management experience. I will bring community-first urgency, common sense, and accountability to the job. Kitsap needs leaders who can see the whole picture, manage the budget, and do the job without distractions or narrow agendas getting in the way.

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?

My top priority, based on the concerns I’m hearing from knocking thousands of Kitsap doors, is disciplined financial accountability. Families and small businesses are stretched thin, Washington faces a budget shortfall and a negative credit outlook, and we cannot keep pushing today’s problems onto tomorrow’s families. I am a Democrat because I believe people should feel safe, included, respected, and able to build a good life, no matter who they are or where they come from. But compassion and fiscal discipline are not opposites. To protect essential services, reduce pressure on families, and rebuild trust, I believe government must manage money honestly, measure outcomes, and ensure every dollar has a purpose.My second priority is lowering the cost of living. Every Kitsap family, including seniors on fixed incomes, deserves a real chance to build a stable life and age with dignity at home. But when only about 20% of Kitsap residents say the cost of living is good, the system is clearly failing. Families, seniors, and small businesses are doing everything right and still falling behind as everyday costs keep rising. I will work to lower costs by taking on predatory pricing, demanding transparency, eliminating outdated fees and regulations, supporting local employers and small businesses, and making government accountable for every dollar and focused on real results.My third priority is reducing division and rejecting extremes. I’m a Democrat who will represent all of Kitsap, not just one side or ideology. I won’t play outrage politics or reward the loudest voices. I hear from people who are tired of leaders turning everything into a fight, refusing to listen, and failing to seek understanding. I’ll work with Democrats, Republicans, independents, tribal nations, local governments, small businesses, labor, nonprofits, law enforcement, educators, and community leaders to find practical solutions. I’ll listen, show respect, and expect it in return - without losing my core Democratic values. Kitsap deserves leadership that rebuilds trust, delivers results, and puts the whole community first.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I care most about making Kitsap a place where young families can put down roots and thrive. As a father of two elementary school kids and a leader in the successful 2024 North Kitsap School District levy, I’ve seen how strong schools shape a community’s future. But even as Kitsap grows, school enrollment is declining. That should concern all of us. Too many families are being priced out by housing, childcare, healthcare, and everyday costs. We can turn that around by strengthening schools, expanding healthcare access, supporting Olympic College’s Allied Health Center, and creating pathways to good local careers. My goal is a Kitsap where families can build a life, kids can see a future, and the next generation can afford to stay.

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

My mom and dad. My mom came to this country from Iran with courage and hope, and taught me to stay open to different cultures, beliefs, and points of view. My dad taught me humility, steady work, and the importance of challenging the status quo. Their example keeps me grounded, grateful, and committed to treating people with dignity - values I am passing on to my children.

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

An elected official should lead with honesty, curiosity, humility, and courage. They should stay informed, question their own ideas, listen to their community, and work with people who think differently. They should respect taxpayers and focus on what is best for the community in the long run, not their own ego or politics.

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

Stay engaged year-round and follow through. Even though the legislature meets part-time, the responsibility doesn’t pause. It means continuing to meet with people, paying attention to what’s changing, and staying accountable - not just showing up during election season.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I hope to be remembered as someone who tried to bring a different kind of leadership to Olympia - one grounded in listening, collaboration, and a willingness to learn. Someone who worked to bring people together, approached challenges with respect, and stayed focused on making steady, meaningful progress rather than getting caught up in political theater.

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

Working construction and framing houses for a summer. It was hard, honest work that taught me the value of showing up on time, working as part of a team, and respecting the skill and craftsmanship it takes to build homes.

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

Growing up, I struggled academically with undiagnosed ADHD. School was harder for me, especially before I understood why I learned differently. Over time, however, that disability became a professional superpower. It allowed me think differently, creatively, connect dots others might miss, recognize patterns, and approach complex challenges with curiosity and a unique problem solving perspective.

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

The governor and legislature should be strong partners, not rubber stamps or permanent opponents. The governor should set a clear vision and propose a responsible budget. Legislators should represent their communities, listen to the people they serve, and pass laws that solve real problems. Washington cannot keep doing business as usual. We need leaders who are honest about tradeoffs, willing to work across differences, and focused on results people can actually feel in their lives.

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

Based on current data and trends, Washington’s biggest challenge is fixing a budget that no longer works for its people. Families are feeling squeezed, small businesses are under pressure, and too many communities are being left behind. Our school districts, cities, counties, and state are all struggling financially. We need fairer ways to raise revenue, wiser and more efficient spending, and real accountability so public dollars help people, protect essential programs, and stop pushing critical services onto the chopping block each session. Over the next decade, Washingtonians should be able to afford to live, work, raise a family, and age with dignity.

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

Working together is important. In my career, I learned that if I got everything I wanted when negotiating a business deal, it was not a good deal. Both sides needed to feel good about the outcome. Real success means people feel heard, respected, and included. Making laws should be the same: stick to our values, listen to different views, test ideas with facts, and deliver results.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Washington Council of Police and Sheriffs (WACOPS), Washingtonians for a Brighter Future (WBF), Kitsap Builders Association (KBA), investment from the Suquamish Tribe, and support from the Kitsap County Democratic Women (KCDW).

Ed Stern, Poulsbo Mayor

Phil Rockefeller, former State Senator & Representative

Ardis Morrow, longtime North Kitsap civic leader

Joan Hanten, former Olympic College Interim President

David Emmons, former Greater Kitsap Chamber President & CEO

Ed Wolfe, former Kitsap County Commissioner

James Kennedy, Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney.

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

One of the first major historical events I clearly remember was Columbine. Growing up in Colorado, it felt close to home and was hard to process as a young person. It was one of the first moments I understood how safety, schools, mental health, and community trust affect families.