2026 Candidates Questionnaire
On behalf of its members, the Greater Federal Way Chamber of Commerce invited all candidates to complete a Chamber Questionnaire and share their positions on business, economic, and political issues important to our region. The Federal Way Chamber is nonpartisan and does not endorse candidates.
Confirmed as of September 28, 2026
Legislative District No. 30, State Senator
Website:
Education:
MA, Adult Education and Vocational Home Economics, University of Northern Colorado
BS, Food and Nutrition, Child and Family Studies, Washington State University
The Chamber's long-standing partnership with the District 30 Legislators has supported a range of economic development resources for business growth in the greater Federal Way region. Based on any of the Chamber studies, reports or programs, what opportunities do you see for continued collaboration with the Chamber and how would you work with the Chamber to explore the economic potential of our business community?
As the Chamber works to support a sustainable economic base with new and expanding businesses, rising infrastructure and operational costs can be burdensome. Â As a legislator, how would you address infrastructure challenges such as energy, water, transportation, insurance, and others to keep infrastructure reliable and operating costs manageable for businesses?
Strong local economies rely on infrastructure that is affordable and reliable. I will continue to support investment in transportation, energy, water and other infrastructure as well as look at policies that can reduce unnecessary costs and delays for businesses. That includes making permitting more predictable, improving transportation systems that workers and businesses rely on, planning for long-term infrastructure needs and ensuring state investments are coordinated and cost effective. We also must recognize the pressures on business from insurance, utilities, property costs and other operating costs. I will continue to listen to local businesses and work with the Chamber to identify how state policy can help ease some of those pressures while continuing to deliver the reliable services our communities and businesses need to grow.
The Chamber encourages the legislature to prioritize comprehensive reform of Washington’s regressive tax structure. Pressures such as the state-level B&O tax, professional services tax, estate tax, the excise tax, and others have a negative impact on our small businesses. How would you advocate for tax policy that supports small businesses, and ensures an equitable distribution of the tax burden across businesses and residents alike?
I will continue to look for ways to promote a strong business climate, including reducing unnecessary costs and requirements on small, locally-owned businesses. Our tax policies must encourage businesses to create jobs, invest in their communities and grow, while giving Washington the resources it needs to meet the needs of its residents.
Have you contracted with a firm or individual to manage your campaign? If so, please provide the name and address of the firm/ individual.
Yes, Jessica Andrews
Website:
Education:
Bachelor of Science in Management, magna cum laude, University of Phoenix.
The Chamber's long-standing partnership with the District 30 Legislators has supported a range of economic development resources for business growth in the greater Federal Way region. Based on any of the Chamber studies, reports or programs, what opportunities do you see for continued collaboration with the Chamber and how would you work with the Chamber to explore the economic potential of our business community?
As the Chamber works to support a sustainable economic base with new and expanding businesses, rising infrastructure and operational costs can be burdensome. Â As a legislator, how would you address infrastructure challenges such as energy, water, transportation, insurance, and others to keep infrastructure reliable and operating costs manageable for businesses?
As a business professional and U.S. Air Force veteran who understands the importance of operational efficiency and managing costs, I recognize that rising infrastructure expenses are one of the most serious threats facing businesses in our region today. On energy, I will fight to keep electricity costs competitive by supporting a diverse energy portfolio that includes reliable and affordable sources rather than forcing a rushed transition that drives up costs for businesses and families alike. Washington businesses should not be paying California level energy prices. On water and sewer infrastructure, I will advocate for state investment in aging systems and oppose unfunded mandates that force local utilities to pass costs directly onto businesses and residents. On transportation, the 30th Legislative District sits at the heart of one of the most critical freight corridors in the Pacific Northwest connecting Seattle, Tacoma, and Sea-Tac Airport. I will prioritize infrastructure investments that keep goods moving efficiently and reduce transportation costs for businesses operating in our region. On insurance, I will work to reduce the regulatory burdens and litigation costs that are driving up commercial insurance premiums across Washington State.
The Chamber encourages the legislature to prioritize comprehensive reform of Washington’s regressive tax structure. Pressures such as the state-level B&O tax, professional services tax, estate tax, the excise tax, and others have a negative impact on our small businesses. How would you advocate for tax policy that supports small businesses, and ensures an equitable distribution of the tax burden across businesses and residents alike?
Have you contracted with a firm or individual to manage your campaign? If so, please provide the name and address of the firm/ individual.
No
If you answered "No" above, what are your plans regarding the management of the campaign?
Legislative District No. 30, State Representative Position No. 2
Website:
Education:
BA in Political Science (WSU), MA in Organizational Leadership (Gonzaga), MA in Industrial Organizational Psychology (SPU), PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology (SPU), Executive Certificate in Public Leadership (Harvard)
The Chamber's long-standing partnership with the District 30 Legislators has supported a range of economic development resources for business growth in the greater Federal Way region. Based on any of the Chamber studies, reports or programs, what opportunities do you see for continued collaboration with the Chamber and how would you work with the Chamber to explore the economic potential of our business community?
The Chamber has been an important partner in shaping a vision for the economic future of greater Federal Way, and I’m proud to have helped secure state resources that allowed the Chamber to conduct research, convene our business community, and identify opportunities for growth.
Now, the work is about turning that vision into results. The Chamber’s studies and programs give us a roadmap for where businesses need support and where public investment or policy can unlock economic potential. My role is to help connect those priorities to state resources and decision-making—bringing partners to the table, pursuing investments, and addressing barriers to growth.
We should also measure our success: Are businesses expanding? Are entrepreneurs accessing capital and technical assistance? Are we developing the workforce employers need and creating family-wage jobs?
As a former economic developer, I believe strongly in the power of public-private partnerships. The vision is increasingly clear. Now we need to align the relationships, policies, and resources necessary to deliver on it. That is the work I intend to keep doing with the Chamber as your State Representative.
As the Chamber works to support a sustainable economic base with new and expanding businesses, rising infrastructure and operational costs can be burdensome. Â As a legislator, how would you address infrastructure challenges such as energy, water, transportation, insurance, and others to keep infrastructure reliable and operating costs manageable for businesses?
Reliable infrastructure is economic development infrastructure. Federal Way businesses need energy, water, transportation, broadband, and insurance systems that are both reliable and affordable if we want them to grow and attract new employers.
That means investing in the capacity our community will need while paying much closer attention to the cumulative cost of doing business. Businesses don't experience an energy increase, insurance premium, transportation fee, or regulatory cost in isolation—they experience the total bill. That is why I have voted against the gas tax and income tax and remain committed to progressive B&O tax reform that better protects small businesses.
The Chamber is also an important early-warning and problem-solving partner. When businesses identify challenges with utilities, insurance, transportation, permitting, or other infrastructure, I can help bring the right state, local, and private-sector partners together to address them.
Ultimately, we should align infrastructure investments with the Chamber's economic development strategy so that reliable infrastructure and manageable operating costs become a competitive advantage for retaining, growing, and attracting businesses in Federal Way.
The Chamber encourages the legislature to prioritize comprehensive reform of Washington’s regressive tax structure. Pressures such as the state-level B&O tax, professional services tax, estate tax, the excise tax, and others have a negative impact on our small businesses. How would you advocate for tax policy that supports small businesses, and ensures an equitable distribution of the tax burden across businesses and residents alike?
Washington needs comprehensive tax reform that sustainably funds education, infrastructure, public safety, and workforce development while distributing that responsibility more fairly.
As a small business owner, and through my conversations with businesses at Chamber lunches, roundtables, and tours, I’ve heard firsthand the frustration and real pressure rising costs are placing on businesses’ ability to survive and grow. That is why I support continued B&O tax reform and greater relief for small businesses, while considering the cumulative impact of taxes, utilities, insurance, and regulatory costs. That same concern about cumulative costs informed my vote against the income tax. It didn't go far enough to provide comprehensive tax reform or relief for small businesses and working families.
I also believe tax reform must come with accountability. Before asking taxpayers or businesses for more, government has a responsibility to demonstrate that existing resources are being used wisely and delivering results.
I will continue listening to and working with the Chamber to understand how our decisions affect businesses’ ability to hire, invest, and expand. My goal is a tax system that is sustainable, predictable, and fair, and gives small businesses a real opportunity to grow and succeed here.
Have you contracted with a firm or individual to manage your campaign? If so, please provide the name and address of the firm/ individual.
Yes:
John Wyble, WINPower Strategies
Khushpreet Sekhon, Campaign Manager
If you answered "No" above, what are your plans regarding the management of the campaign?
Website:
Education:
Federal Way High School, Class of 1996
Attended Highline College
The Chamber's long-standing partnership with the District 30 Legislators has supported a range of economic development resources for business growth in the greater Federal Way region. Based on any of the Chamber studies, reports or programs, what opportunities do you see for continued collaboration with the Chamber and how would you work with the Chamber to explore the economic potential of our business community?
One area where I believe the Chamber and I could work together is strengthening the connection between the Greater Federal Way Chamber and the Small Business Development Center. Many entrepreneurs have good ideas but need help navigating financing, business planning, regulations, and the practical challenges of starting and growing a business. Connecting them with existing resources should be a priority.
I would also like to see the Chamber continue expanding its membership beyond traditional business-to-business services. Childcare providers, adult family homes, and other service businesses are important parts of our local economy. Bringing more of these businesses into the Chamber would strengthen their voice while creating new opportunities for collaboration.
Finally, Federal Way's diversity presents an economic opportunity that I believe deserves more attention. Many residents maintain business and cultural connections around the world. We should explore ways to help local entrepreneurs turn those relationships into legitimate import, export, distribution, and international trade opportunities.
As a legislator, I would regularly meet with Chamber members and local businesses to identify barriers to growth and determine where state policy can help rather than hinder their success.
As the Chamber works to support a sustainable economic base with new and expanding businesses, rising infrastructure and operational costs can be burdensome. Â As a legislator, how would you address infrastructure challenges such as energy, water, transportation, insurance, and others to keep infrastructure reliable and operating costs manageable for businesses?
My first priority would be reducing unnecessary costs government places on businesses while ensuring that essential infrastructure remains reliable.
I would support a comprehensive performance and financial audit of the Climate Commitment Act, including its impact on energy and fuel costs and how the revenue it generates is being spent. If government requires businesses and residents to pay more, taxpayers deserve measurable results and complete transparency about where that money goes.
I would also support temporary relief from a portion of Washington's state gasoline tax while working toward longer-term reforms that reduce transportation and operating costs.
Transportation infrastructure is another major concern. Businesses depend on reliable roads to move employees, customers, products, and services. State transportation spending should prioritize projects that address major bottlenecks and improve existing infrastructure, including important local projects that may require state assistance.
We also need better coordination of major construction projects. Poorly planned road projects can restrict access to businesses for months and cause significant financial losses. State and local agencies should coordinate schedules, communicate with affected businesses early, and consider the economic impact of construction decisions.
Reliable infrastructure is essential, but businesses should also expect accountability for every dollar government spends providing it.
The Chamber encourages the legislature to prioritize comprehensive reform of Washington’s regressive tax structure. Pressures such as the state-level B&O tax, professional services tax, estate tax, the excise tax, and others have a negative impact on our small businesses. How would you advocate for tax policy that supports small businesses, and ensures an equitable distribution of the tax burden across businesses and residents alike?
Washington needs a tax system that supports economic growth without continually increasing the burden on families and small businesses.
I oppose a state income tax and support Initiative 645, which would repeal Washington's new tax on individual income above $1 million and prohibit state and local governments from imposing taxes on individual income.
I would also work to repeal the expansion of the retail sales tax under ESSB 5814. Extending sales tax to services such as IT support, custom website development, advertising, temporary staffing, and custom software increases costs for businesses, which can ultimately increase prices for consumers.
The B&O tax also deserves comprehensive reform. Because it taxes gross receipts rather than profits, businesses can owe B&O tax even when operating on extremely thin margins. A family-owned restaurant, contractor, retailer, and technology company have very different cost structures and margins. Our tax system should recognize those differences.
I would also examine how repeatedly taxing used vehicles and equipment affects businesses and families, and I support repealing Washington's estate tax because of its potential impact on family-owned and multigenerational businesses.
My goal is straightforward: a simpler, fairer tax structure that allows businesses to grow, create jobs, and keep more money circulating in our communities.
Have you contracted with a firm or individual to manage your campaign? If so, please provide the name and address of the firm/ individual.
No
If you answered "No" above, what are your plans regarding the management of the campaign?
