Background
Janice Zahn's career experience includes working as the chief engineer at the Port of Seattle. She also began serving on the Bellevue City Council in Bellevue, Washington in 2017.[2]
In their own words
Who are you? Tell us about yourself.
I was appointed to serve as a 41st Legislative District Representative in 2025, and was elected to retain the seat in a special election later that year. I serve on the Finance, Housing, and Transportation Committees, as Vice Chair of the Local Government Committee, and as Assistant Majority Whip for the House Democratic Caucus.
With over 35 years of experience in engineering, transportation, capital projects, and public service, I bring a practical, results-driven approach to the Legislature. As Chief Engineer at the Port of Seattle, I lead major capital project delivery, small business access to public contracting, and workforce development and apprenticeship initiatives. My priorities include effective government, strong worker protections, community-centered solutions, environmental stewardship, and responsible budgeting that protects essential services while investing in our future.
Before joining the Legislature, I served nearly 7½ years on the Bellevue City Council, where I focused on safe neighborhoods, affordable housing, infrastructure, inclusive communities, and expanding apprenticeship opportunities.
As an immigrant from Hong Kong, I attended Federal Way public schools and have lived in Bellevue for over 30 years, where I raised my two daughters. I remain engaged with efforts supporting homelessness, food security, and student success. I believe government works best when it listens, partners with communities, and delivers meaningful results.
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?
Delivering Results Through Effective Government
I bring decades of experience solving complex challenges in engineering, transportation, capital projects, and public service. In the Legislature, I focus on getting things done: improving how government works, investing taxpayer dollars wisely, and partnering with communities to deliver results. My approach is practical, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that government should be responsive, accountable, and focused on improving people’s lives.Building an Economy Where Everyone Can Thrive
Washington’s success depends on creating opportunity for everyone. I will continue fighting for strong worker protections, family-wage jobs, workforce development, and apprenticeship opportunities. We must invest in education, infrastructure, and innovation while supporting small businesses and ensuring our communities remain affordable for working families, seniors, and future generations.Investing in Strong, Inclusive Communities
I believe thriving communities require safe neighborhoods, affordable housing, healthy infrastructure, and support for those who need it most. As a longtime Bellevue resident and immigrant, I understand the importance of inclusion and opportunity. I will continue advocating for solutions that address housing affordability, environmental sustainability, public safety, and equity so every community member has a chance to succeed.
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
I am passionate about policies that create strong, inclusive, and thriving communities. My career in engineering, transportation, and public service has shown me that effective government can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
I am especially committed to affordable housing, transportation, infrastructure, and economic opportunity. Everyone deserves a safe place to live, access to good jobs, and reliable public services. I also care deeply about workforce development, apprenticeship opportunities, and protecting workers so that Washington’s economy works for everyone.
As an immigrant and longtime resident of this region, I am passionate about building communities where everyone feels valued and has the opportunity to succeed.
What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?
King County Democrats
41st LD Democrats
Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates
Washington Education Association
National Women's Political Caucus
Alliance for Gun Responsibility
Democrats for Diversity and Inclusion
Washington State Labor Council
LiUNA
ATU 587
UFCW 3000
Teamsters 117
314 Action
American Federation of Teachers
Washington Democrats Latino Caucus
Washington Conservation Action
WA Federation of State Employees
WA State Nurses Association
Women of Color in Politics
One America Votes
Sage Leaders
New American Leaders
Sierra Club
Fair Vote WA
APRNs of WA State
Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Local 1
Environment & Climate Caucus
Associated General Contractors of WA
IAM District 751
UA 32 - Plumbers & Pipefitters
Janice Zahn did not complete [the profile publisher]'s Candidate Connection survey.
Other survey responses
[the profile publisher] identified the following surveys, interviews, and questionnaires Zahn completed for other organizations.
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VoteWA Profile
On the 2026 ballot
Links
Compiled from the candidate’s published profile as of September 30, 2026.
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