Community Government

Lykins seeks a seat on the Pierce County Council representing District 7

Brenda Lykins wants to be the one to help Gig Harbor and the Key Peninsula grow stronger by being elected to represent the area on the Pierce County Council.

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Residents need to feel safe in their homes, have trust in government and enjoy their outdoors. County government touches all these aspects of life, said Lykins, 61. Council members for District 7, which is Gig Harbor and the Key Peninsula, represent  about 140,000 people, said Lykins.  

“There’s a hyper-polarized world that is projected on to us these days,” said Lykins, a Democrat.  “Most people are just trying to get through their days. Most are good people and are outside that polarizing world.

“I am pleasantly optimistic that my message is being received. That my collaborative, compassionate approach to government is getting through and people are relating to it.”

Brenda Lykins

Gig Harbor experience

Lykins served on the Gig Harbor City Council from 2022 to 2025. A Pierce County resident for more than 45 years, Lykins now lives in North Tacoma. She has spent most of her working career as a neonatologist.

Last year, voters picked her to represent District 7 on the Pierce County Charter Review Commission, which she said has given her insight into how the county council works. The group hammered out four proposed charter amendments to voters.

Lykins said that working on the charter commission expanded her knowledge of county government. She feels that experience makes her uniquely qualified to serve on the county council.

“Having someone who is experienced and understand how government works is important,” Lykins said. “I can give a 21-point plan on how to improve Pierce County government, but I don’t know if there’s funding or if the other council member agree with me so I can have a majority vote.”

A people person, Lykins said her years as a netnatoligst has given her the experience to really listen to people. Being a good listener allows Lykins to build consensus at a time of great polarization of ideas.

Platform views

Lykins said housing and affordability, along with supporting small businesses, are among her top priorities.

Other priorities include adequate staffing of the Sheriff’s Department and strengthening behavioral health services in the county so that police do not have to respond to calls for mental health crises.

Lykins also wants to expand addiction treatment programs in the county.

“I’ve always been politically active,” said Lykins. “I began in health care in Seattle right around the HIV epidemic. I was really passionate about improving public health (and) I felt I could make a difference in people’s lives.

“I’m a listener at heart. And try to understand what people are going through and relate before trying to come up with a solution.”