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Gabe Galbraith

Republican

Business owner

Gabe Galbraith is a Republican candidate for Washington State Senate District 8 in the 2026 election.

From the candidate’s public filings

Background

Gabe Galbraith served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2003 to 2007. He earned a high school diploma from Kamiakin High School, a bachelor's degree in accounting from Strayer University in 2007, a master's degree in human resource management from Ashford University in 2014, and a master's degree in education from Grand Canyon University in 2018. His career experience includes working as a business owner, retail manager, human resources specialist, and security specialist.[1] Galbraith has also served as the president of the Kennewick School Board.[2]

Graduate:
Grand Canyon University, 2018
Bachelor's:
Strayer University, 2007
High school:
Kamiakin High School

In their own words

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I was born in 1983 at Kadlec Hospital in Richland and raised in Kennewick as the oldest of three siblings.

My dad worked construction and long night shifts at IBP and lived with bipolar disorder. Watching how mental illness affected our family gave me a lasting sense of empathy and the importance of accountability and support. My mom worked more than 20 years at Albertsons in Richland, raising us through hard work and determination.

I attended Kennewick School District schools and graduated from Kamiakin High School in 2001, where I met my wife, Stephanie. We married in 2002 and are raising three children. Stephanie is a fourth-grade teacher in Kennewick and previously coached swim and dive at Kamiakin for ten years. Her dedication to students and community inspires me daily.

At 19, I learned I was going to be a father, which clarified my priorities. In 2003, I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served until 2007. Afterward, I worked in retail management, Amazon, healthcare administration, and Hanford-related roles. I’ve also supported disabled veterans and helped run a small family business.

While working and raising a family, I earned degrees in accounting, business, and education. My life experiences have shaped my belief in service, stewardship, honest work, and leaving our community better than I found it.

I currently serve as President of the Kennewick School Board, first elected in 2021 and re-elected in 2025.

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?

Strong schools, local control. Parents and communities know best. I believe in strong schools, safer classrooms, and better student outcomes—while keeping education decisions local, not dictated by one-size-fits-all mandates from Olympia.Public safety comes first. Safe communities come before politics. I support holding criminals accountable, backing law enforcement, and putting victims first—while expanding effective treatment and recovery options to break cycles of addiction and crime.Lowering the Cost of Living. The government shouldn’t make life more expensive. I’m fighting to reduce taxes, fees, and regulations that drive up the cost of housing, fuel, child care, and everyday necessities—so working families can get ahead, not fall behind.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Education, Public Safety, Taxes, Jobs & Economy.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Loren Anderson — Councilman / Kennewick City Council

Brad Beauchump — Councilman / Kennewick City Council

Joe Cotta — Councilman / Pasco City Council

Leo Perales — Councilman / Pasco City Council

David Cole — Councilman / W. Richland City Council

Brittany Gledhill — School Board Director / Kennewick School Board

Micah Valentine — School Board Director / Kennewick School Board

Dr. Josh Miller — School Board Director / Kennewick School Board

Will McKay — County Commissioner / Benton County

On the 2026 ballot

Links

Compiled from the candidate’s published profile as of September 30, 2026.

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