Katy Cornell

Katy Cornell graduated from South Kitsap High School. Cornell earned an associate degree from Olympic College, a bachelor's degree from Northwest University, and a graduate degree from Seattle University. Cornell's career experience includes working as a nonprofit founder.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I was born & raised in Port Orchard & now live in Gig Harbor with my husband & our three children. As a lifelong Washington resident, I care deeply about the future of our communities & the opportunities available to the next generation.

I graduated from South Kitsap High School before earning an Associate degree from Olympic College, a Bachelor in Psychology from Northwest University, & a Master in Nonprofit Leadership from Seattle University.

For more than 18 years, I have served as a nonprofit leader, small business owner, & pastor. Through my nonprofit work, I have helped develop & lead programs focused on education, healthcare, clean water access, refugee support, economic development, & family services. I have managed teams, budgets, long term partnerships, & community initiatives while working alongside people from many different cultures, backgrounds, & perspectives. Those experiences have taught me the importance of listening first, building trust, & finding practical solutions that bring people together.

As a small business owner, I understand the challenges families & employers face as the cost of living continues to rise. My experiences in both the nonprofit & private sectors have reinforced my belief that government should be accountable, fiscally responsible, & focused on delivering results for the people it serves. I am running because I believe public service is about representing the people, not special interests or partisan agendas.

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?

Washington families are being squeezed by rising housing costs, inflation, utility bills, and higher taxes. Government should live within its means just as families do. Before asking taxpayers for more money, we should improve accountability, eliminate waste and duplication, prioritize essential services, and measure results. I support policies that encourage economic growth by helping small businesses succeed, reducing unnecessary regulations, and creating more family wage jobs. A stronger economy grows state revenue without placing additional burdens on Washington families.Every family deserves to feel safe in their home, neighborhood, & community. I believe we can be compassionate while also expecting accountability. Those struggling with serious addiction or severe mental illness, simply offering voluntary services is often not enough. I support expanding treatment capacity while requiring participation when individuals repeatedly pose a danger to themselves or others through criminal behavior. Recovery should be the goal, but accountability must be part of the solution. We should support law enforcement, protect victims, strengthen behavioral health services, & ensure people receive the treatment they need to rebuild productive lives. Safe communities are built through both compassion & responsibility.Washington’s affordability crisis won’t be solved by temporary relief alone. We must address the root causes driving up the cost of living. That means increasing the supply of housing, streamlining permitting, reducing unnecessary regulations, lowering the cost of doing business, strengthening our workforce, improving infrastructure, and making government more effective and accountable. When we tackle the underlying problems instead of just the symptoms, we can make housing more attainable, create better-paying jobs, lower costs for families, and build a stronger future for Washington.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am especially interested in policies that strengthen families, protect children, and help people move from crisis to stability. One of my greatest concerns is Washington’s fentanyl epidemic and the devastating impact it is having on families and communities. We need stronger prevention efforts, meaningful accountability for drug trafficking and human trafficking, expanded treatment capacity, and earlier intervention before lives are lost. I am also passionate about improving child safety, supporting vulnerable populations, and ensuring government works more effectively by partnering with local governments, nonprofits, and community organizations to deliver better outcomes for the people we serve.

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

Integrity, accountability, humility, compassion, & a willingness to work with others to solve problems are essential qualities in an elected official. Public service is about earning trust, keeping commitments, and being honest with constituents, even when conversations are difficult. Leaders should be accountable for their decisions, transparent in their actions, and focused on delivering results rather than political victories.

I also believe effective elected officials must be coalition builders who can bring together people with different perspectives to find practical solutions. Just as importantly, they should be accessible and responsive, helping constituents navigate state agencies, resolve problems, and connect with the resources they need. Lasting progress is achieved through collaboration, respectful dialogue, and a shared commitment to serving the public. Strong leadership requires both conviction and humility, the conviction to make difficult decisions and the humility to listen, learn, and put the needs of the community above personal or political interests.

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

The core responsibility of an elected official is to faithfully represent the people, uphold the Constitution and the laws they have sworn to support, and carry out the duties of the office with integrity. That begins with listening. Every person has a unique story, perspective, and set of challenges, and every constituent deserves to feel heard and represented, regardless of whether we agree on every issue. While my personal faith informs my values and guides my life, I recognize that my responsibility as a public servant is to represent all people, not impose my personal beliefs.

As a state representative, that means focusing on the essential responsibilities of state government, ensuring every child has access to a quality education, maintaining critical infrastructure, supporting public safety, protecting our most vulnerable, and being a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars. It also means helping constituents navigate state government, solve problems, and access the resources and services they need.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

My campaign has earned the support of a broad coalition of community leaders, first responders, elected officials, and local advocates who share a commitment to stronger families, safer communities, responsible government, and economic opportunity. I am honored to be endorsed by KeyPen Firefighters, TPCAR, MBA-PC, State Representative Michelle Caldier, former State Representative Spencer Hutchins, former Gig Harbor City Councilmember Seth Storset, and Port Orchard City Councilmember John Morrissey, among others. These endorsements reflect confidence in my ability to bring practical leadership, fiscal responsibility, and a solutions-focused approach to Olympia while advocating for the interests of the 26th Legislative District.