Dino Rossi is a Republican businessman and politician born on October 15, 1959, in Seattle, Washington. He served three non-consecutive terms in the Washington State Senate: from 1997 to 2003 representing the 5th Legislative District, in 2012 also for the 5th District, and from 2016 to 2017 for the 45th District. He is best known for his narrow 2004 gubernatorial campaign, the closest in U.S. history, where he initially led but lost to Democrat Christine Gregoire after recounts and legal challenges. Notable achievements include chairing the Senate Ways and Means Committee in 2002, where he helped close a $2.7 billion budget deficit without tax increases, and sponsoring bills like the Mary Johnsen Act for ignition interlocks on drunk drivers and the Dane Rempfer bill increasing penalties for hit-and-run fatalities. He also served as former chair of the Washington State Special Olympics.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Graduated from Seattle University and worked in commercial real estate.
• Political Experience: Elected to Washington State Senate in 1996 , re-elected in 2000; resigned in 2003 to run for governor. Returned via appointment in 2012 and 2016 . Ran unsuccessfully for U.S. Senate in 2010 and governor again in 2008. Earned reputation as a consensus builder during his senate tenure.