Staying connected, AI oversight, and strengthening our energy future

Even during election-year restrictions, I’m still working for you

April 30, 2026

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

As we move further into the year, you will not receive additional updates from my legislative office. Election-year restrictions limit certain communications and require a clear line between official legislative work and campaign activity. This will be the last formal update until after the November election.

That doesn’t change who I work for. I’m still your state senator, and it is a privilege to represent the people, families, and communities of the 8th District. My office remains available year-round to help you navigate state government, answer questions, and hear what’s on your mind.

Some of the best ideas I bring back to Olympia come from conversations with you. I value that input and encourage you to stay in touch.

Working for the 8th District   

It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly two months since the 2026 legislative session concluded on March 12. Since then, I’ve been busy here at home, meeting with employers, local leaders, and community members across the 8th District.

Recently, I had the opportunity to connect with Washington Retail and hear directly from business owners about what they’re seeing day to day. Those conversations matter. They keep me grounded in the real challenges people are facing and help ensure the decisions we make in Olympia reflect the needs of our communities, not just ideas on paper.

Leading on artificial intelligence — getting it right

Artificial intelligence is moving fast, and Washington needs to be thoughtful about how we respond.

Last week, I participated in the state’s Artificial Intelligence Task Force as it works toward final recommendations. The goal is clear: protect people’s rights, ensure transparency, and make sure residents understand how AI is being used in government.

But we have to get this right. I raised concerns about moving too quickly, expanding beyond the task force’s original scope, and not giving stakeholders enough time to weigh in. Some recommendations, especially those related to data centers, went beyond the task force’s charge and risk duplicating work already underway.

We also heard from stakeholders across the state, including technology groups, cities, and ports, who made it clear that we need a more measured approach. That means using Washington-specific data, avoiding unnecessary mandates, and making sure we don’t put ourselves at a disadvantage compared to other states.

My focus is simple: protect people, be transparent, and make sure Washington stays competitive. We can do all three, but only if we take the time to do it right.

Data centers, energy and grid reliability

That same day, I was in Quincy with local leaders, utilities and community partners to see firsthand how data centers are shaping our region and our state’s energy future.

What I saw was a strong example of what’s working.

In communities like Quincy, data centers are partnering with local governments and utilities to support schools, infrastructure and essential services, while also helping strengthen grid reliability and drive innovation in how we use energy.

This is exactly the kind of forward-looking work we should be building on.

The 8th District sits at the center of these conversations — where energy, technology and economic growth come together. But other states are competing hard for these opportunities, and we can’t afford to fall behind.

We need to stay focused, stay coordinated, and make sure Washington has the policies and infrastructure in place to support growth, while keeping energy reliable and affordable for the people who call this state home.

Stay in touch with me!

There are several ways to keep up with the work of the Legislature. Here are some resources that may be helpful:

If you need a speaker for your civic or community group, please let me know. I would be happy to provide a session update and discuss the issues we’re focused on and their implications for our region.

Representing the people of the 8th District is something I take seriously every single day, and it’s a responsibility I never take for granted.

It is an honor to serve you in Olympia.