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Four 41st Legislative District candidates are vying for two state representative positions in the Nov. 3 general election.
Incumbent Janice Zahn (D) will face off with Elle Nguyen (R) for Position No. 1, and incumbent My-Linh Thai (D) will take on Michael Rosen (Independent) for Position No. 2.
Ballots will be mailed to voters on Oct. 14 and must be postmarked by election day or returned to ballot drop boxes by 8 p.m. on election day.
The Reporter asked each candidate why they are running for office and what are some of the key issues that they’re focused on.
POSITION NO. 1
ZAHN
Zahn believes the best government starts by listening to the people it serves and working together to deliver meaningful results for communities.
“I’m running for the 41st Legislative District because I believe my experience in engineering, transportation, capital projects, local government, and public service can help address the complex challenges facing our communities. I am an immigrant from Hong Kong who attended Federal Way public schools and has called Bellevue home for more than 30 years. I raised my two daughters here and have seen firsthand how strong schools, safe neighborhoods, good jobs, and engaged communities create opportunity for families,” she said.
Within Zahn’s statement, she said her priorities are rooted in making housing more affordable, strengthening public education, improving transportation and infrastructure, creating economic and workforce opportunities and ensuring government delivers for the people it serves.
“I am focused on supporting workers and small businesses, protecting essential services, taking meaningful climate action, and building inclusive communities where people can live, work, raise families, and age with dignity. Washington is not on track to meet our 2030 climate goals — we need to accelerate investments in clean energy and community resilience,” she added.
In her current state rep role, Zahn serves on the finance, housing and transportation committees, as vice chair of the Local Government Committee, and as assistant majority whip. Before joining the Legislature, she served nearly seven and a half years on the Bellevue City Council, where she worked on affordable housing, infrastructure, public safety and community priorities.
“With more than 35 years of experience in engineering, transportation, capital projects and public service, I bring a practical, collaborative approach to solving problems. As chief engineer at the Port of Seattle, I lead major capital projects while working to expand opportunities for small businesses, workers and apprentices,” she said.
NGUYEN
Nguyen said her campaign slogan is simple: “Make it Make Sense.”
She notes that representation should mean listening to constituents, serving them without a political ideology agenda, and litigating policies that are not working.
“My governing philosophy is simple: protect constitutional rights, restore accountability, respect families and local communities, strengthen economic opportunity, and apply common sense to government. Washington does not need more politics. It needs leadership willing to apply common sense and demand accountability,” she said.
The candidate explained why she’s running for office.
“I am running for state representative not for name recognition. Olympia must have practical problem-solving and greater accountability to the people it serves. I am not political; I am pragmatic. As a widowed mother, real estate investor and community advocate, I understand that government decisions have real consequences for families, businesses and our communities,” she said.
“Affordability is one of my highest priorities. Washington families are paying more for housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, and everyday necessities. Government must exercise fiscal discipline, protect taxpayers, support small businesses, and make it easier, not harder for families and businesses to succeed.”
In her statement, Nguyen said she opposes a state income tax and believes taxpayers deserve greater accountability for how their money is spent.
“Olympia has been fiscally irresponsible. I am equally committed to public safety, parental rights, protecting children and meaningful local control,” she said.
Nguyen adamantly opposes House Bill 2266: “Olympia should not substitute statewide mandates for the judgment of local communities. Housing and homelessness require compassionate solutions; however, communities must retain a meaningful voice in decisions affecting their neighborhoods, schools, public safety, and quality of life. I will rigorously advocate for accessible healthcare for the disabled and mental-health treatment emphasizing prevention, early intervention, intensive counseling, and comprehensive care rather than relying primarily on medication. Our children, elderly, and families deserve meaningful treatment, not temporary solutions.”
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POSITION NO. 2
THAI
Thai said that serving as state representative and deputy majority leader has been the honor of her life.
“This moment calls for more than experience, it calls for urgency. Federal funding cuts are forcing hard choices at every level of services for the people in the 41st District, and families on Mercer Island are feeling the squeeze of rising costs, infrastructure and healthcare,” she said.
Thai added: “I came to this country as a refugee. I know firsthand what it means to rely on a community that shows up for you. I also know what it means when the government provides safety and services for its people or not. That is why I ran for office, and it is why I am running for re-election.”
The state rep listed and described some policy areas that she’s been working on:
Thai said she’s fought to bring real resources home, securing $1.2 million for Mercer Island’s new water supply pipeline, $1 million for the MI Community and Event Center HVAC and $1.9 million for the Ebright Creek Conservation Project.
“These projects are important investments that our neighbors rely on every day,” she said.
On the affordability front, “I have worked to put money back in working families’ pockets by expanding tax credits, eliminating sales tax on everyday essentials, and ensuring no child goes hungry at school lunch.”
In the protecting neighbors realm, Thai said she’s fought to defend immigrant families and workers, secure housing and shelter funding, and expand behavioral health resources for kids.
Thai also spoke about defending democracy, noting that she’s championed legislation to protect voter rolls, safeguard voter privacy, and expand ballot access, because every vote matters.
“Our community deserves a strong voice in Olympia. My focus is on educational opportunities, expanding behavioral health services, and protecting people’s civil rights. I humbly ask for your vote,” she said.
ROSEN
Rosen, who was born and raised on Mercer Island, is a fourth-generation Washingtonian and his family has run a business in the area since 1913.
“This community shaped me, and I’m running to give back to it — not to climb a party ladder or answer to anyone but the people I’d represent,” he said. “That’s why I take no money from special interests. My loyalty is to you, not the industries or lobbyists that fund campaigns in Olympia. As an independent, I’m not bound by either party — I can evaluate each issue on its merits and vote for what actually works.”
Some of the vital issues that Rosen is focused on are: affordability, accountability and homelessness.
On the affordability front, he said: “It costs too much to live here. Electric bills, health premiums, housing costs and taxes keep climbing while Olympia keeps asking families for more. I’ll focus on bringing costs down and making Washington more affordable.”
When it comes to accountability, “According to our state treasurer, Washington’s reserves are the lowest in the nation. We need real fiscal discipline — demanding results from every dollar we spend before asking taxpayers for more,” he noted.
Homelessness should be addressed with compassion and common sense, he said, adding: “People struggling with addiction or serious mental illness need real treatment and recovery, not simply a roof without adequate support. And decisions about our neighborhoods should include the communities affected.”
Rosen said he’s an attorney, investor and Washington-licensed nutritionist — “but mostly, I’m your neighbor.”
He added: “I’m running because I believe independent thinking, accountability, and practical solutions can do better for the people of the 41st. I’d be honored to earn your vote.”
The 41st Legislative District covers the entirety of Mercer Island and Newcastle, with portions of Bellevue, Renton, Issaquah and Sammamish.
