State Representative Pos. 1 District 17 in Washington State House District 17, Washington

2026 Primary Election

• Ben Christly — Flight Nurse, Small Business Owner in Clark County, Washington

  Ben Christly is a longtime resident of Clark County with over 20 years of experience in the healthcare field. He is a veteran of the United States Navy and currently works as a flight nurse, providing critical care during medical air transport. He holds an associate's degree from Ozarks Technical Community College and a bachelor's degree from Missouri State University. Christly is also a small business owner and a father of three.

• Kevin Waters — Incumbent State Representative in WA

  Kevin Waters is an incumbent State Representative for Washington's 17th District, Position 1, who assumed office in January 2023 and is seeking re-election in 2026. A lifelong resident of Southwest Washington, he is a dedicated business and community leader. Waters founded Backwoods Brewing, growing it to over 70 employees, and has served as a Commissioner at the Port of Skamania and Economic Development Manager for Skamania County. His legislative priorities include making Washington more affordable, improving public safety, empowering students and parents through better education and transparency, and enhancing forest management. He has actively opposed new state income taxes and increased spending without educational benefits.

• Thomas Everett Haynes — Candidate for Washington House of Representatives District 17-Position 1 in WA

  Thomas Haynes is a candidate for the Washington House of Representatives, seeking to represent District 17-Position 1 in the 2026 primary election. He is running under the Pro Gun Liberal Party banner, positioning himself as a third-party candidate outside the traditional two-party system. Haynes advocates for a people-powered approach, emphasizing grassroots funding over special interest influence, and pledges to uphold anti-corruption principles by being accountable and transparent in his policy agendas. He also commits to running a clean campaign free of mudslinging, maintaining a standard of civility in his conduct.