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Emily Randall
Emily Elissa Randall[2] (born October 30, 1985)[3] is an American politician and activist who is a U.S. representative for Washington's 6th congressional district and a former member of the Washington State Senate.[4][5] A member of the Democratic Party, she succeeded Derek Kilmer in the U.S. House of Representatives.[4][5] Early life and educationRandall was born in the Kitsap Peninsula to a white mother and a Chicano father.[6] She grew up in Port Orchard and graduated from South Kitsap High School in 2004.[2] She graduated from Wellesley College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish and women's studies. Her sister, Olivia, was born with severe developmental and physical disabilities.[7] Earlier political careerPrior to serving in the Washington State Senate, Randall worked as a community organizer, where she focused on issues related to public education and healthcare. Washington SenateIn 2018, Randall was elected to the Washington State Senate, defeating Republican challenger Marty McClendon by 104 votes.[8] In 2022, Randall won re-election to the Washington State Senate with around 51% of the vote.[9][10] As senator, Randall focused on increasing access to better behavioral health and reproductive health, affordable housing, and public safety.[11][12] She served as whip for the state senate majority.[11] In March 2022, Randall sponsored a bill to lower the toll to cross the Tacoma Narrows Bridge by 75 cents. The bill was passed and took effect in October of the same year.[13] Alongside Senator Claire Wilson, Randall was one of two openly LGBTQ+ women serving in the Washington State Senate.[4] Randall served in the senate’s Higher Education committee, Workforce Development Committee, and on the Health and Long Term Care and Transportation committee.[14] U.S. House of RepresentativesElections2024After U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer announced his retirement from Congress, Randall entered the race to succeed him. Washington's 6th congressional district covers the Olympic Peninsula, the Kitsap Peninsula, and the majority of Tacoma. During her primary campaign, Randall was endorsed by several prominent Democrats including U.S. Senator Patty Murray, U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland, U.S. Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, and former governors Christine Gregoire and Gary Locke.[15] In the 2024 open primary for Washington's 6th congressional district, Randall finished first.[16] State senator Drew MacEwan finished second, joining Randall on the general election ballot.[16] Washington Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz, who was endorsed by incumbent Derek Kilmer, did not advance to the general election.[16] She was endorsed by incumbent Derek Kilmer during her general election campaign. Randall defeated MacEwan in the 2024 general election.[5] On January 3, 2025, Randall became the first queer Latina to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives.[17] TenureBefore the start of the 119th Congress, Randall unsuccessfully ran for freshman class representative for the Democratic Caucus, placing third in a three way race that included California freshman U.S. Representative-elect Luz Rivas and Maryland freshman U.S. Representative-elect Sarah Elfreth.[18] Personal lifeThe Pew Research Center reported that Randall is a religious "none", meaning she is not religiously affiliated.[19] See also
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