State Representative Pos. 1 District 49 in Washington State House District 49, Washington

2026 Primary Election

• Kim D. Harless — Incumbent, Vancouver City Councilmember, Position 1 in Vancouver, Washington

  Kim D. Harless is the incumbent for Vancouver City Council, Position 1, having been elected in November 2021. She has lived in Vancouver for over 27 years. Harless graduated from Heritage High School, earned an Associate of Arts degree from Clark College, and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Washington State University Vancouver. Her professional experience includes roles at Clark County Public Health and Clark County Environmental Services, and as the Oregon & Washington Program Coordinator for PaintCare. She currently works as a Policy, Advocacy, and Community Engagement Manager for the Native American Youth and Family Center's Vancouver Office. As an Indigenous and Latina woman, she aims to bring a valuable perspective to the council.

• Sarah Mittelman — Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Vancouver, WA

  Sarah Mittelman is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of experience in healthcare, including behavioral health, addiction, homelessness, and emergency care. A mother, she is running for State Representative in Washington's 49th District to bring practical leadership, accountability, and real-world results to Olympia. Her campaign focuses on addressing the cost of living, public safety, behavioral health, substance misuse, and transportation. Mittelman aims to ensure government reflects the everyday experiences of families in Southwest Washington, advocating for policies grounded in tangible outcomes.

• Mike Pond — Union organizer in WA

  Mike Pond, a Democrat, is running for the Washington House of Representatives District 49-Position 1 to address rising costs of living and the need for more accountable, effective government. A lifelong Clark County resident and union organizer, he previously ran for Vancouver City Council and Clark County Council. Pond focuses on housing affordability, improving transportation infrastructure, expanding access to living-wage jobs, and ensuring public investments deliver measurable results. He aims to advocate for working families, renters, young people, and seniors, bringing his experience in organizing and policy implementation to Olympia. He emphasizes that policies must deliver tangible outcomes that people can feel.