Senator Claudia Kauffman is a Democratic member of the Washington State Senate representing the 47th Legislative District. A resident of Kent for over 20 years and a member of the Nez Perce tribe, she is the only American Indian currently serving in the Senate and the first Native American woman elected to it in 2006. She serves as the caucus’s Leadership Liaison to Tribal Nations, chair of the Business, Financial Services & Trade Committee, vice chair of the Senate Housing Stability & Affordability Committee, and a member of the Ways & Means and State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections committees; she is also co-vice chair of the Senate Democrats’ Members of Color Caucus. Currently, she works as the Intergovernmental Affairs Liaison for the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe. Kauffman is a fierce advocate for protecting children, addressing equity, improving public education, and increasing support for people with disabilities; notable achievements include sponsoring SB 5342 to simplify transit bus purchases and SB 5683 to strengthen foster care. She co-founded the Native Action Network to strengthen Native communities through organizing and civic engagement.

Education and Political Experience

Limited details on formal education are available from public records. Kauffman has a long history of community involvement, including non-profit boards and state college boards.

• Previous Service: Elected and served as Washington State Senator for the 47th Legislative District from 2007-2011.
• Current Service: Sworn into the Washington State Senate in January 2023.