Goers to run for 47th District Senate seat against Kauffman

Auburn Republican Carmen Goers is running for office again as she will challenge incumbent Claudia Kauffman, D-Kent, this year for the 47th Legislative District Senate seat.

“I’m running because this community deserves a senator who listens, shows up, and fights for the people who live here,” Goers said in a Jan. 8 press release. “The 47th District is my home. These are my neighbors, my friends, and my family. I want to be a strong, steady voice for them in Olympia.”

Kauffman announced in November that she will run for reelection in 2026. Kauffman defeated Kent Republican Bill Boyce in 2022 with 52.7% of the vote.

Goers lost to Democratic incumbent Kim Schrier last year for the 8th Congressional District position. Schrier received 54% of the vote to 45.8% for Goers. In 2022, Goers lost in the primary for the 47th District House seat won by Chris Stearns, D-Auburn. Voters reelected Stearns in 2024.

Goers is a commercial banker and recipient of the 2022 Kent Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Award and 2021 King County Council MLK Medal of Distinguished Service Award.

Goers said her campaign centers on affordability, education, and protecting local jobs. These are the issues she knows working families across the district face every day. Drawing from real-world experience and a practical approach, she said she’s dedicated to advancing common-sense solutions that prioritize people over politics.

“As a community, we don’t need more headlines, we need results,” Goers said. “I will bring our values to the Washington State Senate and stand up for the people who make this district strong.”

The 47th Legislative District includes parts of Kent, Auburn and Covington.

Kauffman has raised $80,280 so far, according to the state Public Disclosure Commission (PDC). Goers has filed with the PDC but so far has no contributions.

“I’m not running to be someone important,” Goers said. “I’m running to do important work for my neighbors.”