Laurie Jinkins is a Democratic representative for Washington's 27th Legislative District in Pierce County, encompassing most of Tacoma, Ruston, Fife, and areas like Downtown, Hilltop, North, Northeast, West, and part of South Tacoma. Elected in 2010, she made history on January 13, 2020, as the first woman and first lesbian Speaker of the Washington State House of Representatives. She is a public health advocate, attorney, and leader in advancing LGBTQ+ rights, equity, marriage equality, gun violence reduction, and health care access. Notable achievements include awards such as National Association of Local Boards of Health Legislator of the Year , Children’s Alliance Legislative Champion , and Pride Foundation’s Rainbow Center Diamond Hall of Fame . She previously chaired the House Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee and served on Health Care and Wellness and Appropriations Committees. Jinkins lives in Tacoma with her partner and son.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison; Juris Doctor from Seattle University School of Law; executive studies at Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
• Professional Experience: Began career litigating child abuse and neglect cases for the state Attorney General’s Office; later served as assistant secretary at the state Department of Health; currently Senior Advisor at the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department.
• Political Experience: Entered the Washington State House in 2011; advanced anti-discrimination laws; key role in marriage equality; elected Speaker in 2020.