Osman Salahuddin

Osman Salahuddin earned a bachelor's degree in neurobiology from the University of Washington. His career experience includes working as a researcher at Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center and UW Medicine.[2]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m Osman Salahuddin, the current State Representative for Washington’s 48th Legislative District, which includes parts of Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, and the Points communities. I’m honored to serve as the youngest member of the State Legislature and the only South Asian serving in the House.

I was born and raised on the Eastside, attended local public schools, and am a proud graduate of the University of Washington where I studied neuroscience. I come from a working-class, immigrant family — my father owns a small business, and my mother has served for over 20 years as a union-represented paraeducator in special education. Their example taught me the value of hard work, public service, and standing up for those who are often left off the table.

Before running for office, I worked for King Cunty Councilmember Sarah Perry and bring a data-driven approach from my experiences as a medical device consultant and research at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. As a community organizer and now legislator, I’ve focused on lifting up the voices of immigrants, working people, and young people, those who too often don’t see themselves reflected in government.

In the Legislature, I’ve prioritized affordable housing, education, immigrant and refugee rights, and building an inclusive economy that works for all. I ran for office to make sure our communities are not only heard but centered in policymaking. Now I’m running to retain my seat to continue delivering on that promise.

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?

Housing You Can Afford and Access: Everyone deserves a place to call home. I’m fighting to increase housing supply across the board — so that long-time residents can stay in their communities, and young families, workers, and new neighbors can afford to live here. That means faster permitting, more missing middle housing, and deep investments in affordable, emergency, and permanent supportive housing.Strong Public Schools and Workforce Pathways: As a proud graduate of local public schools in the district and the son of a preschool paraeducator, I know firsthand how vital education is to our community’s future. In Olympia, I’ll continue to fight for special education funding, increased compensation and classroom resources for educators, and expanded access to early learning. I’ll also champion workforce development, apprenticeship programs, and stronger connections between K–12, community colleges, and high-demand careers, ensuring every student, regardless of background, has a pathway to success.A thriving economy: The 48th is home to some of Washington’s most innovative companies and small businesses. As the son of an immigrant entrepreneur, I’ve seen both the challenges and the promise of our economy. I’m working to expand access to capital, training, and licensing support so small businesses can grow and succeed. I’ll continue fighting for an economy that uplifts immigrant families, supports workers, and ensures everyone has a fair shot, whether you’re starting a business or building a better future for your kids.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am most passionate about the following three policy areas: housing policy, education policy, and economic policy to ensure our region can thrive.

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

I believe the most important characteristics for an elected official are integrity and a deep commitment to community. As elected leaders, we have a responsibility to listen, to lead with humility, and to act in service of the people we represent, which is why I am always proud to share that I grew up right in the 48th LD. I also believe that an effective leader must be grounded in lived experience, open to learning and hearing from all voices in the community, and above all else, willing to stand up for what’s right, even when it’s not easy.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want my legacy to be one of opening doors for the next generation, especially for young people who’ve been told politics isn’t for them. I was chosen to serve as the youngest member of the Legislature, but I know I won’t be the last of a generation that is getting involved now more than ever. My goal is to create lasting pathways for youth to engage in civic life, shape public policy, and see themselves as leaders.

I also want to leave behind a more inclusive, accessible political system where young people, especially from immigrant, BIPOC, and working-class communities, feel empowered to speak up, organize, and lead. If my time in office helps even one young person believe they belong in these spaces, then I will be very proud of that legacy.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Senator Maria Cantwell; Congresswoman Suzan DelBene; Governor Bob Ferguson; County Councilmember Claudia Balducci; Mayors of Redmond, Bellevue, and Kirkland; King County Democrats; 48th LD Democrats; WA Education Association; State Labor Council; Redmond Firefighters; Association of WA Business; Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates; Master Builders Affordable Housing Council; Teamsters Local 117; WA State Building and Construction Trades (WSBCTC); WA Housing Alliance Action Fund; Alliance for Gun Responsibility Victory Fund; Associated General Contractors (AGC) Build PAC; Retired Public Employees Council of Washington (RPEC); Asian Pacific Islander Americans for Civic Empowerment; Washington Bikes; Seattle King County Realtors; and more!

Other survey responses

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