State Senator District 43 in Washington State Senate District 43, Washington

2026 Primary Election

• Hannah Sabio-Howell — Communications Director for Working Washington in Seattle, WA

  Hannah Sabio-Howell, a 29-year-old first-generation Filipina American, is a Democratic candidate for the Washington State Senate, District 43. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, and raised near Chicago, she also lived in the Philippines and has family roots in Eastern Washington. A graduate of Whitworth University, she previously served as a legislative aide and communications specialist for the Senate Democratic Caucus. Most recently, she was the communications director for Working Washington, a worker rights nonprofit advocating for gig worker protections and minimum wage. As a renter and transit rider in Seattle, Sabio-Howell is challenging incumbent Senator Jamie Pedersen, advocating for a bold affordability agenda focused on housing, healthcare, transit, childcare, and education. She champions reinvestment in public programs, a wealth tax, and expanded paid parental leave, believing the district deserves leadership that drives visionary outcomes beyond the status quo.

• Heather-Marie Wilson — Candidate for State Senator in WA

  Heather-Marie Wilson is an Independent candidate running for election to the Washington State Senate, representing District 43, in the primary election scheduled for August 4, 2026. She distinguishes herself by running outside the traditional two-party system, pledging an independent, nonpartisan campaign. Her platform emphasizes being people-powered, rejecting influence from special interests and big money by relying on grassroots donors. Wilson also commits to anti-corruption practices, promising accountability, transparency, and reporting undue influence. She advocates for civility, vowing to run a clean campaign free of mudslinging, upholding a high standard of conduct in her pursuit of public office.

• Jamie Pedersen — Incumbent State Senator in Seattle, WA

  Jamie Pedersen is an incumbent Democratic State Senator representing Washington's 43rd district and serves as Senate Majority Leader. An openly gay politician, he was first elected to the State House in 2006 before joining the Senate in 2013. A Yale-educated lawyer, Pedersen has championed LGBTQ+ rights, leading efforts to pass marriage equality and parentage rights. His legislative accomplishments include abolishing the death penalty, expanding services for students with disabilities, and sponsoring the Millionaires Tax for progressive tax reform. He is seeking re-election to continue advocating for public schools, housing affordability, environmental protection, gun safety, and civil rights.