The state’s leading business advocacy organization has identified the current and hopeful state lawmakers for the Mid-Columbia it believes will best serve employers. 

The Association of Washington Business identified an initial group of endorsed candidates by determining they aligned with AWB’s position on votes in the Legislature 80% of the time or more, according to a release.  

For the Mid-Columbia, that included the following incumbents: 

• State Reps. Stephanie Barnard and April Connors in the 8th legislative district 
• State Reps. Gloria Mendoza and Deb Majarrez in the 14th legislative district 
• State Rep. Chris Corry in the 15th legislative district 
• State Reps. Mark Klicker and Skyler Rude in the 16th legislative district 

More recently, AWB made further endorsements following candidate interviews and member input. Those endorsements include: 

• State Sen. Nikki Torres, who is vying for the seat being vacated by state Sen. Matt Boehnke in the 8th legislative district 
• State. Rep. Jeremy Dufault, who is vying for the seat being vacated by Torres in the 15th legislative district. 

“Washington employers are increasingly concerned about the direction of the state economy and the growing burden of taxes and regulations that leave our state out of step with much of the country,” said Morgan Irwin, AWB’s vice president for government affairs, in a statement. “That’s why it’s so important that we elect leaders who not only understand the serious challenges facing employers right now, but also work to promote a growth agenda and create jobs.”