Public health professional and legislative budget and affordable housing leader to seek position vacated by retiring Senator John McCoy
State Representative June Robinson (D-Everett) has announced that she will seek the recently opened seat in the State Senate in the 38th Legislative District, which includes the communities of Everett, Marysville and Tulalip. The seat is open following the retirement this week of incumbent Senator John McCoy. Robinson, who has served since 2013, initially won appointment to the house seat McCoy vacated when he entered the Senate.
“While I am saddened that my friend and colleague John McCoy is leaving this seat mid-term, I am excited for the opportunity to continue his advocacy for our communities in this new capacity,” said Robinson. “John has been a mentor and leader on so many issues – from making sure our schools are funded and provide truly equitable access to learning and advancement, to expanding affordable health care options in rural and Tribal communities. I’ll pledge to continue this work, while bringing my own public health and affordable housing record to the Senate.”
In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, Robinson – a public health professional and affordable housing leader – was already focusing her legislative efforts on the short and long term issues that will follow in the wake of the pandemic. As first vice chair of the House Appropriations Committee and member of the Health and Wellness Committee, she is particularly engaged addressing upcoming budget challenges and the health and economic impacts to families, businesses, and vulnerable populations.
“This next legislative session is going to be challenging on many levels,” said Robinson. “We will need to balance shrinking revenue with increased necessity to assist families and small businesses with urgent recovery needs. It will require both new revenue and strategic cuts to maintain progress we’ve made in this state with education, mental health, and other investments with the immediate impacts of lost sales tax revenue.”
If selected, Robinson will campaign for election this November to finish the remainder of McCoy’s current term, which expires in 2022.
“I’ve always enjoyed campaigning and discussing priorities with the people I work for in Olympia,” said Robinson. “With the challenges of distancing and keeping people safe and healthy, I’ll find new ways to reach out, and look forward to discussing this new role and new challenges with neighbors throughout the district. I am grateful for this opportunity, and look forward to the appointment process.”
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