Janice Zahn

Representative Janice Zahn is a State Representative serving Washington's 41st Legislative District, which includes Mercer Island, Newcastle, Beaux Arts Village, and portions of Bellevue, Issaquah, and Sammamish.

Janice Zahn was born on July 19, 1965, in Hong Kong. She immigrated to the United States at age 10 with her family. She has lived in Bellevue for over 30 years and raised two daughters there with her husband, Dwain.

Before entering state office, Zahn served on the Bellevue City Council for over seven years , where she focused on transportation, education, disability, and environmental issues. She also served four years on the City of Bellevue Transportation Commission, including one year as Chair. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she served on the King County Board of Health and chaired the National League of Cities Asian Pacific American Municipal Officials, advocating for federal relief that secured $20 million in funding for Bellevue.

Zahn was appointed to the Washington House of Representatives on January 21, 2025, by the King County Council to succeed Tana Senn. She retained her seat in the 2025 special election against Republican John Whitney. In her first legislative session, she passed four bills and had two more incorporated into passed legislation.

Education

Zahn holds three degrees from the University of Washington:
- Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
- Master of Science in Structural Engineering and Mechanics
- Master of Public Administration

Political Experience

Since 2000, Zahn has worked at the Port of Seattle in various roles, serving as Chief Engineer since 2022. In this position, she chairs the Capital Projects Advisory Review Board and advises the state legislature on public works contracting and standards for engineering excellence.

In the state legislature, Zahn serves on the Capital Budget, Housing, Local Government, and Transportation Committees. She is also appointed to the Washington State Joint Committee on Energy Supply, Energy Conservation and Energy Resilience, and serves on the Council of State Governments CSG West committees focused on energy, technology, and agriculture. Previously, she served on the National League of Cities Board of Directors, advocating for federal policies benefiting her region.