TNT endorsements: Our picks for rural Pierce County and Gig Harbor-area WA House races
For better or worse, democracy in the United States — and in Washington state — relies on a functioning two-party system. Whether Democrats or Republicans hold the majority in either place, the minority party still plays an essential role — giving voice and representation to the constituents they serve.
In Washington, of course, Democrats wield much of the power — and it’s been that way for some time. The state hasn’t elected a Republican governor since 1980, and in recent years both chambers of the state legislature — House and Senate — have been solidly blue. In this environment elected officials from the more suburban, rural and often conservative areas of Pierce County are forced to find ways to influence the policies and laws that emerge from the state capitol in Olympia.
Last week, The News Tribune Editorial Board issued general election endorsements in several Tacoma-area state House and Senate races. In each race, we went with the Democrat, because they were clearly the most qualified and best suited to represent their districts.
We took a similar approach to state House races in the 2nd, 25th and 26th legislative districts. Here, it’s Republicans J.T. Wilcox, Michelle Caldier, Kelly Chambers and Spencer Hutchins who impressed us most.
In a time when the need for a functioning and robust two-party system is as urgent as ever, each of these candidates earned our strong support this election year.
J.T. Wilcox for Legislative District 2, House Pos. 2
From Graham and Orting to Yelm and the base of Mount Rainier, the 2nd Legislative District is home to some of Pierce County’s most rural communities. And for the last decade, residents here have benefitted from the strong, pragmatic conservative representation of J.T. Wilcox, the current House minority leader.
Voters would be wise to reelect Wilcox, 59, to another term. After first being elected to the state House in 2010, Wilcox has climbed Republican ranks to become one of the most influential lawmakers in the state. The Yelm High School graduate grew up on the farm that bears his family’s name, and he effectively draws on that small-town, small-business experience when speaking on the House floor for residents in places like Eatonville, Graham, Roy and McKenna.
In a world of increasing extremes, Wilcox is also a fixture of reason and stability within his party. He makes no bones about his traditionally conservative views — championing things like fiscal responsibility, public safety and government accountability — but he’s also more than willing to speak out against the far Right fringe, like when supporters of Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 or when some members of his own party questioned election integrity under former Secretary of State Kim Wyman.
Wilcox has often described the 2022 session as one of “missed opportunities.” He believes bipartisan cooperation on the problems plaguing our state, from rising crime to the cost of living, could have yielded better results. While we don’t agree on everything — and can certainly point to instances over the last few years when state Republicans have seemed more intent on scapegoating and grandstanding than genuinely participating — in many cases, we think he’s right. Good policy and good laws depend on contributions from both parties, and when it doesn’t happen the potential for negative outcomes grows.
Wilcox is vying for reelection against challenger Edward Meer, who states no party preference on the ballot. In the online voters’ guide, Meer describes himself as an independent with “a conservative-ish view” — a description that seems fitting based on his interview with The News Tribune Editorial Board. While we admire Meer’s instinct to jump in the ring and serve, he’s no match for Wilcox’s experience and political acumen.
Kelly Chambers for Legislative District 25, House Pos. 1
Puyallup’s Republican State Rep. Kelly Chambers and Democratic challenger Jamie Smith have faced off before. In fact, 2022 will mark the third time their names will appear on the ballot together, and each time Chambers has emerged victorious.
In 2018 and again in 2020, The News Tribune Editorial Board endorsed Smith. (When Smith ran in 2016 against incumbent Melanie Stambaugh, we did not.) The educator, coach and executive board member of the Puyallup Education Association is clearly qualified for the job, and we have no doubt she would make an excellent state representative.
But this year our pick is Chambers. The two-term incumbent has demonstrated a knack for leadership and impressed us with her ability to get things done in Olympia, including recent efforts to expand access to mental health care for Washingtonians and make it easier for home care aides with expired licenses to get re-certified.
A Lincoln High School and Pacific Lutheran University grad with a business background in senior home health service, Chambers, 47, told The News Tribune Editorial Board that improving education and access to living-wage jobs will continue to be priorities for her.
“I’m just a product of a public school and believe in opportunities for all. I want to do what I can in the legislature to ensure that our students are getting the best education and are graduating with the skills that they need to enter our workforce,” Chambers said. “It’s been interesting to be in the legislature the last four years. I’ve been effective at passing some legislation, and have some wins being able to work across the aisle.”
Spencer Hutchins for Legislative District 26, House Pos. 1
The race for House Pos. 1 in the 26th Legislative District — which includes Gig Harbor, the Key Peninsula, Port Orchard, and other parts of Pierce and Kitsap counties — is another with two young, impressive, qualified candidates. Between Peninsula High School grad and local lawyer Adison Richards and small business owner and former Gig Harbor City Council member Spencer Hutchins, voters in the district can take solace knowing they’ll be well served no matter who wins in November.
But much like voters, The News Tribune Editorial Board can only choose one candidate to endorse — and Hutchins earns our nod.
Hutchins, 37, owns a real estate brokerage with offices in Gig Harbor, Port Orchard and Silverdale. In addition to spending two years on the Gig Harbor City Council — he was appointed in 2017 to fill the seat vacated by Rahna Lovorich — he’s been a member of the city’s planning commission and has also been active in efforts to expand and improve the local FISH Food Bank. Like Richards, Hutchins is also a local boy — having graduated from Gig Harbor High School before attending Gonzaga University and the University of Washington Law School.
During an endorsement interview with The News Tribune, Hutchins said his priorities, if elected, would include addressing rising crime and the increasing cost of living while reducing the challenges facing local small business owners.
“I’m running because my wife and I have two little kids, a third on the way, and we’re very concerned about the direction that the state of Washington is going,” Hutchins said. “We are committed to this community. We want to stay here for the rest of our lives.”
Michelle Caldier for Legislative District 26, House Pos. 2
The other state House of Representatives race in the 26th District also features two appealing candidates — incumbent Republican state Rep. Michelle Caldier and Democratic challenger Matt Macklin.
Caldier, who was first elected in 2014, is seeking her fifth term this year. Based on her track record in Olympia and her sensible approach to governing, we believe she’s earned it.
Prior to politics, Caldier, 46, was a dentist with a background in providing care to patients in nursing homes. She’s also a foster mom. Together, Caldier’s life experiences give her important insight into some of the most pressing challenges the state faces, whether it’s increasing access to essential healthcare or improving Washington’s foster care system.
In what could be described as a purple district — Democrat Emily Randall is the 26th’s state senator — Caldier impressed us most with her bipartisan streak. She clearly puts Washingtonians and her constituents above party politics, and has notched notable legislative victories because of it. Caldier has championed thoughtful, prudent efforts to reduce homelessness, improve the lives of military veterans and make college more accessible for students who were in the state’s foster care system.
“I feel like I’ve done a very good job of over these last years listening to my constituents and trying to vote the best way possible that adequately represents my district,” Caldier told The News Tribune Editorial Board. “Sometimes that means bucking my caucus. Sometimes that means doing things that are not necessarily the most popular thing. But I believe that sometimes you have to do what you’ve got do in order to get things done.”
News Tribune election endorsements reflect the views of our Editorial Board and are written by opinion editor Matt Driscoll. Other board members are: Stephanie Pedersen, News Tribune president and editor; Jim Walton, community representative; and Pamela Transue, a community representative who serves during election season. The Editorial Board operates independently from the newsroom and does not influence the work of news reporting and editing staffs. We do not endorse any candidates who do not interview with us. We do not endorse in races that are uncontested when the August primary is held. For questions, email matt.driscoll@thenewstribune.com.