Dear friends and neighbors,
The 2026 legislative session begins next week, on January 12. But before I head back to Olympia, I want to invite you to the 46th Legislative District pre-session town hall this Thursday, January 8.
This is your chance to share what you want lawmakers to prioritize this year. Your input doesn’t just inform my work, it helps shape the policies that affect our families, schools, neighborhoods, and communities. I hope you will join us to ask questions, share your ideas, and be part of this conversation.
Facing real challenges and opportunities
Families across the 46th District continue to feel the impact of rising costs, housing pressures, and day-to-day affordability challenges. Trust in government remains fragile, and at the federal level, harmful policies and extreme rhetoric are creating fear and uncertainty for many Washingtonians.
Even with these challenges, I am optimistic. I have seen firsthand what we can accomplish when we work together and stay grounded in our shared values of fairness, inclusion, and accountability.
With that in mind, I am focused on a few key priorities for 2026:
- Protecting Washingtonians from harmful federal actions
Across the country, including here in Washington, aggressive federal immigration enforcement is destabilizing families and communities. When law enforcement actions are carried out without transparency, people often do not know their rights or how to hold authorities accountable. To address this, I’ve introduced Senate Bill 5855. This legislation would prohibit law enforcement officers from wearing face coverings during public interactions, ensuring that residents can clearly identify officers, understand their authority, and report misconduct if necessary. At the same time, I will continue standing up against discriminatory ICE practices, pushing back against hateful rhetoric, and defending the dignity and safety of every community. Our diversity is one of Washington’s greatest strengths, and no one should live in fear simply for who they are or where they come from.
- Keeping our communities safe from gun violence
Gun violence continues to harm families across the state. Last year, I introduced Senate Bill 5098, which passed the Senate but did not receive a vote in the House. This legislation would restrict the possession of weapons in places where children and families are most likely to gather, such as parks, county fairgrounds, and other community spaces. I remain committed to advancing this bill in 2026 and making our communities safer for everyone.
- Facing our budget challenges responsibly
We are entering another difficult budget year, with rising costs for essential services and growing demands on state resources. Lawmakers are exploring fair and sustainable solutions to ensure we can fund the programs and services our communities rely on. My focus is clear: protect core services, pursue progressive revenue options, and make sure every public dollar is spent transparently and responsibly.
- Strengthening our democracy
As chair of the Senate State Government, Tribal Relations and Elections Committee, I will continue working to expand ballot access and protect Washington State from federal overreach. Democracy works best when people feel heard, informed, and represented, and I am committed to making sure all Washingtonians can fully participate in our election process.
Stay connected
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office with questions, ideas, or concerns. My team and I are here to help. You can contact me by email at javier.valdez@leg.wa.gov or by phone at (360) 786-7690. You can also stay informed about my work by visiting my website or following me on Facebook, Instagram and X for regular updates.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve our community. I hope you will join me on January 8 to share your priorities and questions before session begins. I look forward to hearing from you and continuing this important work together.
Sincerely,
Sen. Javier Valdez
46th Legislative District
