Joe Nguyen is a second-generation Vietnamese American politician, business executive, and former Washington State Senator representing the 34th Legislative District , which includes White Center, West Seattle, Vashon Island, and parts of Burien. A lifelong resident born in White Center, raised in Burien, and living in West Seattle, he is the son of Vietnamese refugees raised by a single mother. He served in the Senate from 2019 to 2025, becoming one of the first Vietnamese American legislators in Washington state. Notable achievements include sponsoring bills to curtail government use of facial recognition, expand Temporary Assistance for Needy Families access, promote zero-emissions vehicles, expand the Clean Buildings Act, expunge cannabis-related misdemeanors, and allow community colleges to offer four-year computer science degrees. He chaired the Environment, Energy & Technology Committee, vice-chaired Ways & Means and Human Services committees, and co-chaired the Under-40 Caucus. After resigning from the Senate in late 2024, he directed the Washington State Department of Commerce and became President and CEO of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce in January 2026.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Graduated from Seattle University with degrees in finance and humanities.
• Professional Background: Worked in leadership roles at Microsoft and Expedia before politics; involved with Wellspring Family Services’ Associate Board on family homelessness and the Community Advisory Committee for King County’s Office of Law Enforcement Oversight.
• Political Experience: Elected to the Washington State Senate in 2018 with 58% of the vote, defeating opponent Clark Braddock; focused on working families, social services, affordable housing, criminal justice reform, climate action, and education equity. Resigned in late 2024 for state commerce role, then transitioned to Chamber leadership.