SEATTLE – Tina Orwall, who has served in the House of Representatives for the past 15 years, was selected by the King County Council Tuesday to replace retiring Sen. Karen Keiser. She was sworn into office shortly after.
“It’s an honor to continue serving my community in this new capacity,” Orwall (D-Des Moines) said. “I’m incredibly humbled to earn the trust of my community and will continue to do everything I can to improve the lives of all people living in our district and throughout our state.”
Orwall’s first year in the House was in 2009. Since then, she has become a leading voice on a variety of issues, including suicide prevention and her work to implement the national 988 system in Washington.
She has worked on and sponsored anti-trafficking laws, rape kit reform, consumer protections like the Foreclosure Fairness Act and language access. She has also secured funding and championed legislation to improve and address the Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, such as air quality, help for nearby ports, noise mitigation and siting of a new airport.
She has taken on these and many other issues during her service to the 33rd Legislative District, which includes east Burien, Normandy Park, SeaTac, Des Moines and parts of Kent, Tukwila, and Renton.
Since 2021, Orwall has served as speaker pro tempore, an important administrative role that runs the House chamber during floor sessions.
She has over 20 years of experience in public mental health, a master’s in social work from the University of Washington, and a background spanning various levels of government.
The 105-day 2025 legislative session begins Jan. 13.
