Kent Democrat Kauffman to seek reelection to state Senate

State Sen. Claudia Kauffman, D-Kent, will run for reelection to represent the 47th Legislative District.

Kauffman, who made history as the first Native American woman elected to the Senate, said she is running to continue delivering results for South King County families and to ensure that government remains focused on affordability, opportunity and community, according to a Nov. 10 media release.

“Serving the people of the 47th District has been the honor of my life,” said Kauffman, whose four-year term expires at the end of 2026. “We have accomplished so much together, but there is more work to do. I am running for reelection to keep fighting for families, improve safety on our roads, make housing more affordable, and invest in the future of South King County.”

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

Kauffman’s campaign summarized her accomplishments:

• Senate Bill (SB) 5342 simplified the process for transit agencies to purchase buses, helping improve local transportation options.

• SB 5683 strengthened the foster care system for Native children by improving coordination between the state and Tribal governments.

• SB 5811 expanded caregiver eligibility so more families can care for loved ones at home.

• SB 5494 improved safety standards for the removal of lead-based paint, making homes safer for children and families.

Kauffman also secured $15 million for Highway 18 upgrades, $5 million for State Route 516 expansion in Covington and $2 million for the renovation of the Auburn Theater, helping drive local jobs and economic growth.

Kauffman said her focus for the coming term will continue to center on affordability, public safety and family well-being, according to the media release. She plans to build on her record of securing transportation investments, improving foster care systems, and creating opportunities for youth and working families.

“I will always ask one simple question before supporting a policy: How will this help the people of the 47th?” Kauffman said. “That is how I measure success, and it is the approach I will continue to take as your senator.”

So far, nobody has filed to run against Kauffman, according to the state Public Disclosure Commission (PDC).

Kauffman has raised $70,386 so far, according to the PDC. A total of $56,285 has been contributed this year to Kauffman and $14,032 is a starting balance carried over from her last campaign.

Previous campaigns

Kauffman defeated Kent Republican Bill Boyce in the November 2022 general election with 52.7% of the vote to earn the four-year term.

Kauffman defeated Kent Democrat Satwinder Kaur, a Kent City Council member, by just 65 votes in the August 2022 primary. Kauffman had 27.26% of the vote and Kaur 27.05%. Boyce, also a Kent City Council member, had 45.5% of the primary vote.

The showdown between Kauffman and Boyce drew large campaign donations as Republicans worked hard to get the position back. Boyce raised $535,120 and Kauffman raised 439,745, according to the PDC.

Kauffman held the 47th District Senate seat from 2007 to 2010 after she defeated Republican Mike Riley in 2006. She lost in 2010 to Auburn Republican Joe Fain, who held office for two terms. Kent Democrat Mona Das narrowly defeated Fain in 2018 but decided not to seek a second four-year term in 2022.