State Senator District 47 in Washington State Senate District 47, Washington

2026 Primary Election

• Claudia Kauffman — Incumbent State Senator in Kent, WA

  Claudia Kauffman is an incumbent Washington State Senator for District 47, a Nez Perce tribal member, and the first Native American woman elected to the state's upper chamber. She began her current term in 2023, having previously served from 2007-2011. A Democratic Party member, she chairs the Senate Business, Trade & Economic Development Committee, is vice chair of the State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Committee, and serves as the Senate Democratic Caucus’s Leadership Liaison to Tribal Nations. Kauffman advocates for consumer protections, Tribal sovereignty, and accessible voting, having introduced legislation on mortgage fraud, virtual currency kiosks, and establishing a permanent Office of Indian Affairs. She is running for re-election in 2026 to prioritize affordability, community safety, affordable housing, and continued investment in South King County families.

• Kristina Soltys — Covington City Council member in Covington, WA

  Kristina Soltys, a Republican, is campaigning for the Washington State Senate in District 47. An immigrant from Ukraine, she settled in the district at age five, raising her three children there. With six years on the Covington City Council and experience as a sonographer and music teacher, Soltys aims to be a voice for families feeling ignored by the government. Her campaign priorities include addressing the high cost of living, enhancing public safety with well-funded law enforcement and mental health resources, and improving transportation. She advocates for budget transparency, fiscal accountability, and opposes new taxes without oversight of existing spending.