Nikki Torres

Nikki Torres earned a high school diploma from Pasco High School, an associate degree from Columbia Basin College in 2008, a bachelor's degree from the University of Phoenix in 2012, and a graduate degree from the University of Phoenix in 2015. Her career experience includes working in commercial banking and business development. Torres has also worked as a consultant.[1][2]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I'm a proud Tri-Citian, first generation Latina, mother of two daughters and grandmother of three. I grew up working alongside my parents, they taught me the value of hard work, faith, and family. I earned my degree from CBC and later earned my MBA while working full time. Before public office, I spent years in commercial services at Gesa Credit Union. I helped small business owners, growing companies, and nonprofits across Eastern Washington access the resources they needed to grow and create jobs. That work sparked my passion for economic development and taught me to respect the hard work behind every dollar earned. I served on the Pasco City Council, and since 2023 I've served in the State Senate as Republican Deputy Floor Leader and Assistant Ranking Member on the Operating Budget since 2025. I've fought for law enforcement and safer communities, and I've helped bring more than $500 million in capital investment to our region which includes the recovery center and basic law enforcement academy. Serving my community has always come first. I served as President of the Tri-Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and on the boards of the Kennewick Police Department Foundation, Tri-Cities Community Health, and Visit Tri-Cities. I've volunteered with Junior Achievement, as a Girl Scouts co-troop leader, and more. I'll keep being a common-sense voice for the Mighty 8th.

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?

Safe Communities. I stand with law enforcement and have fought for their ability to pursue suspects and for the tools officers need to keep our neighborhoods, schools, and businesses safe.An Affordable Washington. WA is now the fifth most expensive state in the nation, families and small businesses are feeling the squeeze and have to live within their means. I believe state government should do the same. I'll fight for affordable housing, responsible budgeting, and fewer taxes and regulations that make it harder for working families to get ahead and small businesses to grow.Protecting our water, farms, and future. I grew up working in agriculture. I'll protect our water rights, agriculture, and dams, and I'll keep bringing investments home to the 8th District, like the more than $500 million in capital funding I've already helped secure.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I'm most passionate about public safety, housing affordability, reducing taxes, and protecting our farms.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Rep. April Connors, Rep. Stephanie Barnard, Senator Matt Boehnke, Pasco Mayor Charles Grimm, Kennewick Mayor Pro-tem Chuck Torelli, Congressman Michael Baumgartner, former Congressman Doc Hastings, Prosser City Councilman Bill Jenkins, WA Realtors, HBA TC, TCAR, AGC, ABC, WSBCTC, UA Local 598, Richland Fire Fighters Union, Kennewick Fire Fighters Union, AWB, NFIB, WACOPS, Fraternal Order of Police, WSNA, NRA, Farm Bureau, PSE, WSSR, Stand for Children, and more.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I have resided in Pasco for more than 40 years. I am first generation Latina and first in my family to earn a college degree. As a child, I worked alongside my parents in agriculture which taught me the hard work ethic I have today. I attended pasco Schools and received an MBA from University of Phoenix. I have two daughters and three grandchildren. Currently, I am a Strategic Partnerships Manager for Western Governors University. Past President of Tri-Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Past Board member of: Visit Tri-Cities, Kennewick Police Foundation, and Tri-Cities Community Health. Served on WA Childcare Taskforce and AWB Grassroots Alliance. Volunteer history: Junior Achievement, Latino Heritage Mural, and Dia De Los Muertos Fun Run.

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?

Public SafetyHousing AffordabilityWater Rights and Agriculture

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Public safety, Housing Affordability, and Agriculture and Water Rights.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Black In Blue by Carmen Best. I admire her work ethic and perseverance as Seattle’s Former Police Chief.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

As a Latina woman, it’s been challenging to have a seat at the table. I want to encourage women to serve on boards and to run for office.

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

It can be beneficial but not necessary to get the job done because that is what matters to the voters.

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

I do believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators. We may have our differences but the only way to get things done in legislation is through a collaborative effort.

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Ways and Means, Law & Justice, and Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources.

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

Senator Jim Honeyford has been a great role model for almost three decades serving in the legislature. I admire his dedication to Washington and want to continue his legacy.

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

Not at this time.