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Janice Zahn

DemocraticIncumbent

Chief engineer

Janice Zahn is a Democratic candidate for Washington House of Representatives District 41-Position 1 in the 2026 election. They are the incumbent.

From the candidate’s public filings

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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