State Representative Pos. 2 District 29 in Washington State House District 29, Washington

2026 Primary Election

• Joe Bushnell — Incumbent City Council Member, District 5 in Tacoma, Washington

  Joe Bushnell is the first Cambodian-American to be elected to the Tacoma City Council, representing District 5 since November 2021. A lifelong resident of Tacoma, he graduated from Stadium High School and holds a bachelor's degree in political science and economics from The Evergreen State College. Bushnell is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran with over a decade of service as an ammunition logistics manager. Prior to his election, he worked with the Washington Hospitality Association, served on the Tacoma Public Utility Board, and was the Chair of the South Tacoma Neighborhood Council. His father's family has deep roots in Tacoma, and his mother is a refugee from the Cambodian genocide.

• Darek Blum — Candidate for State Representative Pos. 2 in Tacoma, WA

  Darek Blum is a Republican candidate running for election to the Washington House of Representatives to represent Legislative District 29, Position 2. He is on the ballot for the primary election scheduled for August 4, 2026, with the general election following on November 3, 2026. As of now, he has not completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey, meaning specific policy positions or detailed personal background information are not publicly available through the provided sources. He is among several candidates competing for this seat.

• Patrick Stickney — Senior Policy & Legislative Affairs Advisor in Tacoma, WA

  Patrick Stickney is a dedicated Tacoma resident, housing and affordability advocate, and policy professional running for Washington State Representative, Legislative District 29, Position 2. A former NPI staff member and a Senior Policy & Legislative Affairs Advisor for the State of Washington, he brings experience from departments like the Office of Equity and Department of Financial Institutions. His campaign focuses on addressing rising costs, expanding affordable housing, and bolstering worker and civil rights. Stickney aims to bring community-centered, equitable, and stable leadership to create long-overdue legislative changes based on the realities of his neighbors. He organized for affordable higher education and improved rental conditions during his time at Western, and continued his public service dedication after moving to Tacoma.

• Erin Chapman-Smith — Candidate for State Representative Pos. 2 in WA

  Erin Chapman-Smith, a Democrat, is running for Washington State Representative, District 29-Position 2, with a platform centered on proactive investments in communities. As a parent navigating fragmented systems for her child with special needs, she understands the challenges families face. Her career has involved working with young adults, families facing housing costs, small business owners, and frontline professionals. Chapman-Smith advocates for early investment in housing, healthcare, childcare, schools, and infrastructure to foster thriving communities and prevent crises. She aims for practical leadership to ensure government works better for working families, addresses affordability, and reforms the education system to be accessible and supportive for all.

• Natasha Laitila — Legislative Assistant in University Place, WA

  Natasha Laitila is a lifelong resident of Washington's 29th Legislative District, running for State House, Position 2. A biracial Malaysian American, she is set to graduate with an MPA in June 2026, bringing experience as a Legislative Assistant and across government branches. Laitila is committed to ensuring economic stability, safe and affordable housing, good jobs, immigrant protections, and strong worker rights, all rooted in dignity and equity. She seeks to represent the community she grew up in, driven by a desire to open doors for others.

• Sheri Hayes — Candidate for State Representative Pos. 2 in Tacoma, WA

  Sheri Hayes is a Republican candidate seeking election to the Washington House of Representatives. She is running to represent District 29, Position 2. Hayes is scheduled to appear on the primary ballot on August 4, 2026. If successful in the primary, she will advance to the general election on November 3, 2026. She is running in a legislative district that includes part of Pierce County, specifically Tacoma.