Mike Padden is a Republican who represented Washington's 4th Legislative District in the state Senate until retiring at the end of his term in 2024. Born November 13, 1946, in Spokane Valley, Washington, he has been a 42-year resident of the area, raising a family with his wife Laura. Padden served over 26 years in the legislature, including seven terms in the House from 1981 to 1995 and in the Senate since 2011. In between, he served three terms as Spokane County District Court judge from 1995 to 2008 and as Judicial Outreach Liaison to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, overseeing traffic safety in five states. Notable achievements include leading the Senate Law and Justice Committee as Republican Leader, serving on Transportation and Health committees, and advocating for tougher penalties and treatment for repeat DUI offenders, with recent laws signed by the governor. A longtime conservative activist, he has been a prominent voice in the anti-abortion movement.

Education and Political Experience

• Education details not specified in available records.
• Elected to Washington House of Representatives .
• Appointed Spokane County District Court judge .
• Appointed Judicial Outreach Liaison, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration .
• Elected to Washington State Senate, 4th District .
• Republican Leader, Senate Law and Justice Committee.
• Member, Senate Transportation Committee.
• Member, Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee.
• Active in conservative causes, including anti-abortion advocacy and support for campaigns like Sen. Mike Baumgartner's congressional race.