Sen. Annette Cleveland, D-Vancouver, is again running to represent Washington’s 49th Legislative District in Olympia.
Cleveland announced Thursday that she is seeking reelection to the seat she’s held since 2013.
Her campaign will focus on protecting reproductive rights, working for affordable housing, revitalizing Vancouver’s waterfront and investing in the replacement Interstate 5 Bridge, according to a news release.
“From working to keep our communities safe and affordable, protecting abortion rights, and investing in our roads and bridges, I am proud of my record and look forward to continuing to serve in Olympia,” Cleveland said.
She touted her background in health care, as well as her current role as chair of the Senate Health and Long Term Care Committee, as key assets in her advocacy and work for affordable care and protection of reproductive rights.
“I’m proud of the record of leadership I’ve built as both a health care leader at the state level, and advocate for the people I serve,” Cleveland said. “With partisan attacks on abortion rights — even family planning—across the country, I want to ensure that Washington remains a place where private medical decisions are respected and protected.”
Cleveland said she wants to continue her work on affordable housing, job growth and transportation infrastructure investments. Additionally, she said she is hopeful that the Interstate 5 Bridge will soon be replaced — a priority of Cleveland’s since early in her tenure.
“We’ve built trust and momentum on this critical project, and I’m excited to keep creating and supporting the forward momentum,” she said.
Cleveland came under fire during the legislative session that ended March 7 for voting against Senate Bill 5961, which proposed to limit residential rent increases in Washington to 15 percent a year. She also had multiple bills signed into law, including Senate Bill 5986, which protects Washingtonians from being billed for emergency ambulance service beyond the costs covered by their health plans.
A Vancouver native, Cleveland worked as an aide for Sen. Patty Murray in the 1990s. She then transitioned to work in the medical field, serving as a lobbyist for the American Cancer Society before moving to Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center as public relations director.
She made a successful run at the 49th District seat in 2013 and filled the position vacated by Craig Pridemore, a fellow Democrat.
Cleveland will formally kick off her campaign with an event from 5 to 6 p.m. April 24 at The Academy in Vancouver, 400 E. Evergreen Blvd.
To learn more about Cleveland’s campaign, visit annettecleveland.com.
