Frank Vana Chopp was an American politician and a member of the Democratic Party. He represented Washington's 43rd Legislative District in the Washington State House of Representatives for 30 years, from 1995 to 2025. Chopp served as the 46th Speaker of the House from 1999 to 2019, becoming the longest-serving Speaker in Washington state history and the second-longest in the nation at the time. Born in Bremerton, Washington, he was a relentless advocate for low-income families, affordable housing, healthcare access, and social services, guided by a "One Washington" philosophy benefiting urban and rural communities. Notable achievements include co-founding the Low Income Housing Institute , the Washington Housing Trust Fund, and the Seattle Human Services Coalition; launching Apple Health for Kids; enacting paid family leave; passing Cascade Care public health insurance option; and supporting firearm safety laws like the assault weapons ban.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Attended the University of Washington in Seattle after growing up in Bremerton.
• Early Career: Worked as a community organizer focusing on poverty, housing, feeding the less fortunate, low-income transportation, and job services; led nonprofits like Solid Ground.
• Political Experience:
  • Elected to Washington House in 1994.
  • House Minority Leader .
  • Co-Speaker .
  • Speaker .
  • Continued serving until retirement in January 2025.