Sen. Patty Kuderer (D-Bellevue) was sworn in today for her first full term serving Washington’s 48th Legislative District, which includes Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, the Points communities, and Medina.

Kuderer joined the Senate in 2017 upon appointment and quickly established herself as a leading advocate for expanding access to democracy, reforming the juvenile justice system, and finding ways the state can be a better steward of taxpayer dollars.

“The constituents of the 48th district have made it clear that they expect Washington to be a leader in supporting and enacting progressive policies in the midst of a chaotic national environment,” said Kuderer. “I am proud of the work we have accomplished together to make our state fairer and more inclusive for all, but our work is far from over.”

Selected by her colleagues to chair the new Senate Housing Stability & Affordability Committee, Kuderer is eager to bring new, diverse voices to the table as the Legislature looks to tackle the statewide crisis of housing instability.

“There is no ‘one size fits all’ solution to the growing humanitarian challenges that communities of every size and geography are facing. Inaction simply is not an option in 2019,” said Kuderer. “I look forward to collaborating with community leaders, local governments, advocacy groups and leaders of industry to begin the work of uplifting our fellow Washingtonians most in need.”

In addition to her new role as chair, Kuderer will continue to serve as the Senate’s assistant majority floor leader, as vice chair of the State Government, Tribal Relations & Elections, and as a member of the Law & Justice and Rules committees.

Sen. Kuderer can be reached by phone at 360-786-7694 or email at patty.kuderer@leg.wa.gov.