Terry Carlson

Terry Carlson was born in Everett, Washington. He graduated from Granite Falls High School. He earned an associate degree from Lower Columbia College in 2021 and a bachelor's degree from Washington State University in 2023. He has served as the Vice President of his local labor council.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Terry Carlson. I am a lifelong Washingtonian and have lived in Longview for over eight years. I’m a proud member of the International Association Machinists/Woodworkers Union W536, I am currently the Recording Secretary and Organizer. I am also the Vice President of the Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Central Labor Council. Through my career in the timber industry, I have worked everywhere in the 19th LD. Our family is a union household. I know the opportunities and struggles families experience every day. I will bring my know-how to the job and do my absolute best to represent you in Olympia.

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?

I want to create more jobs in our district by improving our infrastructure and bring money back to the district.Provide housing security to senior citizens.Protecting reproductive rights and peoples rights in general.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about jobs, rural healthcare, and education.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

The general vice president and his chief of staff in the western territory of my union. They fight for peoples rights daily and empower minority groups within my union.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Not that I know of.

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

To have the agenda of the district front and center not parties agenda or a personal agenda to move ahead in the party.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I fight for my people.

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

To serve their legislative district and its citizens to the best of your ability.

What legacy would you like to leave?

That I have made peoples lives better.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

When Kurt Cobain died. I was in middle school

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Mowing lawns as a kid.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Hidden Valley Road. I found it to be interesting how researchers found out schizophrenia has a genetic component.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

John Dutton. I think that would be an interesting life.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Vow by Garbage

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

Providing healthcare for my family.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

I think a working one and be sympathetic to what rural districts need. Not every district has a big city in it.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Protecting the environment while protecting natural resource based jobs in rural communities. Also making sure all citizens have the rights to live what ever lifestyle they choose to live.

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

I think if they are working for the citizens in their district experience should not matter.

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

I do think it is. The better the relationship the more you can get done.

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

I haven’t found one yet.

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

I will go where ever the people of my district want me to go. If they feel my voice and beliefs are needed in a different part of the government I will listen to them.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Yes. I have had many retired residents tell me how they have been priced out of their living situations.

Tell us your favorite joke.

I don’t know any clean ones .

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Sure.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

I would like to give seniors some sort of rent stabilization so they do not have to worry about the roof over their heads.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Washington State Labor Council

Washington Building and Construction Trades

19th Legislative District Democrats

Cowlitz Democrats

IBEW 48

IAM District W24

What committees interest you?

Natural resources, agriculture, health, education.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I think transparency and accountability should be what the government strives to provide.

Do you support or oppose changes to the current state ballot initiative process? If so, what kind of changes would you consider?

I do not see many issues with it.