Deken Letinich

Deken Letinich earned a high school diploma from Evergreen High School. His career experience includes working as a laborer and as an assistant political director and legislative director for the Washington and Northern Idaho District Council of Laborers. As of 2024, Letinich was affiliated with LiUNA Local 335.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I was raised in a union family with deep Clark County roots. I have worked for my, LiUNA Local 335, for 10+ years and am a champion for Southwest Washington and its working families.

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?

I am a champion for working families.I am committed to bipartisan teamwork in OlympiaI am committed to bringing the necessary funding we need for Southwest Washington to replace the I-5 bridge, fund our schools, and maintain our roads and infrastructure.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about labor and union rights. Everyone deserves a living wage, a safe work environment, and the ability to negotiate with their employer. I am also passionate about helping working families. It is hard to take care of your kids and work when childcare is inaccessible.

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

Probably but not one I am familiar with.

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

Integrity. I think that in many ways it starts and ends there. If you do the right thing for the right reason you’ll never be wrong.

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

To do their best to represent and advocate for the people of their district and of the State.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

I am a huge Pearl Jam song, so it was probably one of their songs!

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

The ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature has open channels for clear communication. The Governor and state legislature need to work together to achieve impactful legislation.

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

Some of Washington’s greatest challenges over the next decade will include working on limiting polarization and improving bipartisanship, updating and maintaining our roads and infrastructure, and protecting workers and ensuring they are making a livable wage.

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

I think it is beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience or understanding in government, but I do not think it is a necessary requirement to provide successful and trustworthy representation.

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

I do believe it is beneficial to work with other legislators. Teamwork results in legislation that better serves our constituents and produces faster results. In my experience working as the Assistant Political and Legislative Director for the Washington and Northern Idaho District Council of Laborers, I have seen firsthand the importance of building bipartisan relationships.

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

I admire the work of Rep. Monica Stonier. I think she has done a tremendous job listening to and working for the people of her district. Her advocacy and work as a representative is inspiring and I look forward to being able to work with her in representing the region of Southwest Washington.

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

I am solely focused on bringing change to Washington through the State Legislature as a State Representative so I can serve the people of the 18th LD.

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?

A story that has made a lasting impact on me was from a man in my district who, through a government assistance program designed for veterans, went from being homeless to a homeowner providing for his children and working at the VA. His story of perseverance and hard work stood out to me and to see the results firsthand of how assistance programs change people's lives for the better.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

One of the first bills I would work on if elected would be to increase access to affordable childcare. We have a childcare desert in Southwest Washington. Working families cannot provide for their families and participate in our economy if they are unable to work because there is no one available to watch their children. I want to create onsite childcare, particularly for construction workers, and make sure that our childcare workers are being paid a living wage.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Secretary of State Steve Hobbs

State Senator Annette Cleveland

State Representative Monica Stonier

Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle

LiUNA Local 335

IUOE Local 701

Washington Building and Construction Trades Council

Columbia Pacific Building and Construction Trades Council

Carolyn Long

What committees interest you?

Postsecondary Education and Workforce, Transportation, Labor and Workplace Standards, Housing, Environment and Energy, and Capital Budget.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

There should be plenty of financial transparency and accountability. There need to be checks and balances and oversight to tax payer money.