I’m running to get things done.
I’ve always believed that when we work together, we can get big things done. I’ve led the fight to improve our local schools, delivered increased support to services that folks rely on, and passed 7 bipartisan bills.
As Peninsula School Board President, I started Stand Up for Peninsula Schools and passed the first bond measure in nearly two decades, helping build six new schools.
As State Senator, I focused on lowering costs. I expanded the Property Tax Relief Program, established an energy assistance program, and secured more funding for local community healthcare programs. I worked to deliver support for our seniors, kids, and workers while voting NO on tax increases.
When it comes to common sense solutions, I will work with either party to get things done.
$59 Million Secured for the 26th District
Investments in transportation and infrastructure
Investments in food security and housing
Investments in technical career programs and jobs
Lowering Costs for Families
Expanded property tax relief
Expanded access to affordable childcare and PreK
Established a statewide energy assistance program
PROTECTING WASHINGTONIANS
Protected sensitive voter data
Banned ICE from wearing face masks
Protected pregnant women’s medical care in the emergency room
ABOUT DEB
Deb is a lifelong Washingtonian who grew up in Pierce County. In 1990, Deb became the first in her family to graduate college and saw firsthand the power education has to create opportunity. Since then, she has dedicated herself to ensuring children, families and teachers in our community have the resources needed to be successful. Throughout her career, Deb has given back - first as a fundraiser for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, as a PTA volunteer, and later as School Board Member for the Peninsula School District. In 2008, Deb and her husband, Baiya, moved with their three children to Gig Harbor where she became deeply involved as a full time public school volunteer.
In 2015, Deb was first elected to the Peninsula School District Board of Directors. She served as President of the School Board from 2018-2020. During her time on the board, Deb formed a public schools advocacy group, Stand Up for Peninsula Schools (SUP) to secure local funding in our schools. She led successful school enrichment levy campaigns in 2016, 2020, and 2023 and moved the approval rate from the 50s to over 70% in 2016 and has kept the approval rate above 60% since.
Alongside SUP, Deb also ran a successful bond campaign in 2019, with an approval of 67%—the first time the Peninsula School District passed a capital project bond in 20 years. Our elementary schools were severely overcrowded and outdated; the bond funded four new elementary schools and modernized and expanded two middle schools.
Deb has received many awards for her public service:
Citizen of the Year, Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce (2023)
Hugh McMillan Award, Peninsula School District (2023)
Community Leadership Award, Washington Association of School Administrators (2019)
