OLYMPIA – Former Battle Ground Mayor Adrian Cortes was sworn into the Washington State Senate Monday. 

“It’s an honor to represent the 18th Legislative District, and I look forward to bringing our southwest Washington values to Olympia,” Cortes (D-Battle Ground) said. “As mayor of Battle Ground, I worked to improve the residents’ lives by cutting utility taxes, making investments in public safety and roads, and passing a fiscally responsible budget. I’m ready to get to work on behalf of the 18th Legislative District, collaborating with my Senate colleagues to increase funding for schools and early learning, enhance transportation infrastructure, and support investment in our state’s small business community.” 

Cortes previously served on the Battle Ground Planning Commission and was later elected to the Battle Ground City Council for three terms. He served as Battle Ground mayor from 2020 to 2021. 

Cortes moved to the 18th Legislative District when he was 6 years old and has lived there ever since. He is a second career teacher and now works for the Camas School District, teaching special education.  

Cortes will serve as vice chair of the Business, Financial Services & Trade Committee and a member of the Early Learning & K-12 Education and Transportation committees. The 18th Legislative District includes Battle Ground, Felida, Salmon Creek, Hazel Dell, Orchards, and parts of unincorporated Brush Prairie.