Chris Gildon is a Republican State Senator representing Washington's 25th Legislative District, which includes Puyallup, South Hill, Summit, and Waller. Born in 1971 in Odessa, Texas, he has served in the Washington State Legislature since 2019, first as a State Representative for District 25 Position 2 and then as Senator since 2021. He previously held leadership roles including Republican Deputy Leader , Republican Deputy Floor Leader , and currently serves as the lead Republican on the Senate Ways and Means Committee, influencing the state's operating budget. A 23-year U.S. Army veteran with five overseas deployments and two Bronze Star medals, Gildon is recognized for his calm leadership and non-partisan policy work. Notable positions include co-chair of the Washington State Institute for Public Policy board, member of the Joint Committee on Veterans' & Military Affairs, Housing and Local Government Committee, Legislative Ethics Board, and co-chair of the Pierce County legislative delegation. He resides in Puyallup with his wife Autumn and their two grown children.

Education and Political Experience

Education:

- BA in Political Science, University of Texas, Odessa

- MPA, Webster University, St. Louis

- MA in Strategic Security Studies, National Defense University, Washington DC

Political Experience:

- State Senator, District 25

- State Representative, District 25 Position 2

- Key committees: Ways and Means , Business/Financial Services/Gaming & Trade, Housing/Local Government, Rules, Joint Veterans' & Military Affairs

- Leadership: Senate Republican Leader on operating budget; former Ranking Member, Human Services/Reentry/Rehabilitation Committee

- Other roles: Economic and Revenue Forecast Council, Washington State Criminal Sentencing Task Force, Washington State Arts Commission