Community Government

Valdez not running for another term in the state House

Barely a month after confirming her plans to run for reelection, Washington state Rep. Michelle Valdez, R-Gig Harbor, backtracked Tuesday, announcing she would not seek a seventh term in the House of Representatives.

Valdez, neé Caldier, has represented Washington’s 26th Legislative District — spanning Gig Harbor, the Key Peninsula, Port Orchard and part of Bremerton — for 12 years. She legislated as a moderate Republican, occasionally at odds with her own party’s leadership. She cited personal priorities and the “evolving political direction” of her district as the reason for her departure.

“It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve this community,” she said in a statement. “I remain hopeful about Washington’s future and grateful for the trust the 26th District placed in me for 12 years.”

Michelle Valdez

Career in Olympia

Born and raised in Kitsap County, Valdez spent a portion of her youth in the foster system. She graduated from Olympic College and the University of Washington and worked as a dentist before losing vision in her left eye due to glaucoma.

Valdez defeated former Democratic state Rep. Larry Seaquist in her first run for the Legislature in 2014.

During the 2023 legislative session, she briefly left the House Republican Caucus after sparring with then-party leader JT Wilcox. Around the same time, she was found to have bullied and verbally abused her staff and ordered to undergo workplace training. Caldier said the ordeal was a byproduct of her dispute with Wilcox.

Valdez made an unsuccessful bid for Senate last year, running on an anti-tax agenda focused heavily on lowering the cost of gasoline and reducing the control of Democrats in the Legislature. She lost to incumbent Sen. Deb Krishnadasan, D-Gig Harbor.

In her announcement, Valdez expressed frustration with Democratic control in Olympia. Washington’s 26th District is one of only two swing districts in the state, where members of both parties currently hold office.

“I respect the will of the voters,” she said. “At the same time, I believe our state is strongest when there is thoughtful oversight, sustainable budgeting, and a genuine exchange of ideas that ensures policies are carefully considered.”

Valdez news prompts shake-up

Valdez’ announcement led to slight shake up locally. 

Katy Cornell, one of two Republican candidates who planned to run for the other House position in the 26th District – held by Adison Richard, D-Gig Harbor – said will instead run for Valdez’s seat. Cornell praised Valdez, who endorsed her, in a statement announcing the change.

“I am deeply honored to step forward at this moment, to meet the challenge of continuing that legacy while bringing my own leadership experience to take the next step forward for our families, businesses, and communities in the 26th District,” she said. 

Cornell is a pastor and nonprofit leader from Gig Harbor. Renee Hernandez Greenfield, a Democrat who works at the Holly Ridge Center in Bremerton, also filed with the state Public Disclosure Commission to run for Valdez’s seat.  

Richards confirmed plans to seek reelection last month. David Olson, a Republican and Peninsula School Board member, plans to challenge him.