Association of Washington Business announces first of 2026 legislative endorsements

The Association of Washington Business (AWB) has announced support for 36 candidates running for the state Legislature based on their voting record on issues important to employers.

Incumbents with an 80% or higher voting record of AWB-supported votes are automatically eligible for early endorsement. Additional endorsements of non-incumbent candidates and candidates who did not qualify for an early endorsement will be made following AWB’s candidate interview process, according to the AWB in a news release.

“Washington employers are deeply concerned about the direction of the state’s economy and the cumulative burden of years of tax increases and regulations that are out of step with the rest of the country,” AWB President Kris Johnson said in the release. “Washington is at a tipping point, and now more than ever we need lawmakers who understand the challenges facing employers, employees and the communities they call home. We hope the lawmakers we elect will carefully consider how their decisions affect business growth, investment and job creation.”

The first round endorsed candidates are:

• Jeff Holy for senator, District 6

• Shelly Short for senator, District 7

• Phil Fortunato for senator, District 31

• Drew MacEwen for senator, District 35

• Andrew Barkis for state representative Pos. 1, District 2

• Matt Marshall for state representative Pos. 2, District 2

• Rob Chase for state representative Pos. 2, District 4

• Andrew Engell for state representative Pos. 1, District 7

• Hunter Abell for state representative Pos. 2, District 7

• Stephanie Barnard for state representative Pos. 1, District 8

• April Connors for state representative Pos. 2, District 8

• Mary Dye for state representative Pos. 1, District 9

• Joe Schmick for state representative Pos. 2, District 9

• Brian Burnett for state representative Pos. 1, District 12

• Mike Steele for state representative Pos. 2, District 12

• Tom Dent for state representative Pos. 1, District 13

• Gloria Mendoza for state representative Pos. 1, District 14

• Deb Manjarrez for state representative Pos. 2, District 14

• Chris Corry for state representative Pos. 1, District 15

• Mark Klicker for state representative Pos. 1, District 16

• Skyler Rude for state representative Pos. 2, District 16

• Kevin Waters for state representative Pos. 1, District 17

• David Stuebe for state representative Pos. 2, District 17

• Stephanie McClintock for state representative Pos. 1, District 18

• John Ley for state representative Pos. 2, District 18

• Jim Walsh for state representative Pos. 1, District 19

• Joel McEntire for state representative Pos. 2, District 19

• Peter Abbarno for state representative Pos. 1, District 20

• Ed Orcutt for state representative Pos. 2, District 20

• Michael Keaton for state representative Pos. 1, District 25

• Cyndy Jacobsen for state representative Pos. 2, District 25

• Drew Stokesbary for state representative Pos. 1, District 31

• Joshua Penner for state representative Pos. 2, District 31

• Dan Griffey for state representative Pos. 1, District 35

• Travis Couture for state representative Pos. 2, District 35

• Sam Low for state representative Pos. 1, District 39