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Our Mission

The Washington Senate Members of Color Caucus (MOCC) envisions a state that recognizes that our strength is rooted in our diversity, a state that is committed to creating equal opportunities for all, including political representation for people of color, and a state that dedicates itself to advancing racial equity throughout the legislative process.

The mission of the Washington Senate Members of Color Caucus is to advocate for policies that advance the priorities of communities of color across Washington, remove institutional barriers that people of color face, create coalitions across racial lines, and increase civic participation and representation in all levels of government.

Members of Color of the Washington State Senate come from, and identify with, communities that are underrepresented in the legislative process. We understand that our voices as their Senators in those struggles are amplified when we join together for the common benefit of all our communities, and our state.

Our objective is to:

  • Fight for equity in economic, employment, and other opportunities for communities of color.
  • Create policy rooted in racial equity and justice.
  • Fight against racism, bigotry, and hate.
  • Protect the civil rights of everyone regardless of immigration status.
  • Create a support system for members, staff, interns of color and allies that work at the legislature.
  • Mentor all elected officials of color at every level of government.

Follow our work with real-time updates on Facebook at Washington State Senate Members of Color Caucus.

Our Members

Sen. Emily Alvarado

Vice Chair, Housing

34th Legislative District – West Seattle
Sen. Emily Alvarado was appointed to the Senate in 2025 after serving two years in the House of Representatives.

Sen. Adrian Cortes

Vice Chair, Business, Financial Services & Trade

18th Legislative District – Battle Ground
Sen. Adrian Cortes represents includes Battle Ground, Felida, Salmon Creek, Hazel Dell, Orchards, and parts of unincorporated Brush Prairie.

Sen. Manka Dhingra

Deputy Majority Leader

45th Legislative District – Redmond

Manka Dhingra is Deputy Majority Leader of the Washington State Senate. She brings two decades of experience as a prosecutor and behavioral health expert to her role as chair of the Senate Law & Justice Committee. She also serves on the the Environment, Energy & Technology and Ways & Means committees.

Sen. Bob Hasegawa

Majority Caucus Chair

11th Legislative District – Seattle
Bob is a longtime labor and social justice activist. He led many workers struggles, winning top wages and benefits for working families and retirees, and he collaborated in many social justice struggles to protect civil rights, democracy, the environment and our constitutional rights.

Sen. Claudia Kauffman

Leadership Liaison to Tribal Nations

47th Legislative District – Kent
Sen. Claudia Kauffman was sworn into the Washington State Senate in January 2023. A resident of Kent for over 20 years, Kauffman previously served as the elected senator for the 47th District from 2007-11. Kauffman is a fierce advocate for legislation and policy to protect children, address equity, and improve public education in Washington.

Sen. John Lovick

Vice President Pro Tempore

44th Legislative District – Mill Creek
Sen. Lovick was appointed to the Senate in 2021. During his long career in public service, he's served on the Mill Creek City Council, House of Representatives, Snohomish County Sheriff and Snohomish County Executive. He was a 31 year veteran of the State Patrol and also spent 13 years in the U.S. Coast Guard.

Sen. T’wina Nobles

Majority Caucus Whip

28th Legislative District – Fircrest
Sen. T'wina Nobles brings two decades of experience in education and community leadership to her role as chair of the Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee as well as vice chair of the Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee. She also sits on the Transportation Committee.

Sen. Bill Ramos

Vice Chair, Transportation

5th Legislative District – Issaquah
Sen. Bill Ramos proudly represents the 5th Legislative District, which includes Black Diamond, Issaquah, Maple Valley, Renton, Sammamish, and Snoqualmie, and unincorporated areas in Auburn, Enumclaw, Covington, Fall City, Hobart, North Bend and Preston.

Sen. Rebecca Saldaña

Chair, Labor & Commerce

37th Legislative District – Seattle
Rebecca was appointed to her seat in 2016. Known as a problem solver and tireless advocate, Rebecca most recently served as the Executive Director for Puget Sound Sage – a nonprofit that promotes affordable and equitable housing and transportation policies, environmental justice and workers’ rights.

Sen. Vandana Slatter

Vice Chair, Environment, Energy & Technology

48th Legislative District – Bellevue
Sen. Vandana Slatter represents parts of Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland and all of Clyde Hill, Medina, Yarrow Point and Hunts Point.

Sen. Yasmin Trudeau

Vice Chair, Ways & Means - Capital Budget

27th Legislative District – Tacoma
Sen. Yasmin Trudeau was appointed to serve the 27th Legislative District on Nov. 2, 2021. Learn more about the senator and her appointment. Trudeau previously served as the legislative director for the Washington State Attorney General’s Office.

Sen. Javier Valdez

Chair, State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections

46th Legislative District – Seattle
Javier Valdez is the proud son and grandson of farmworkers and laborers. Javier has worked for the City of Seattle for over 20 years, where he currently serves as a senior equity and inclusion advisor with the City of Seattle Finance and Administrative Services Department. Javier is vice chair of the State Government & Elections Committee and also serves on the Law & Justice and Transportation committees.