Sam Hunt is an American politician, educator, and former member of the Washington State Legislature representing the 22nd Legislative District as a Democrat. He served in the Washington House of Representatives from 2001 to 2017 and the Washington State Senate from 2017 to 2025, retiring after announcing his decision in February 2024 and succeeded by Jessica Bateman in January 2025. Notable achievements include chairing the State Government, Tribal Relations, and Elections Committee; leading legislation for Washington's accessible, secure elections; serving as national chair and past chair of the Council of State Governments; and appointment to the Washington State University Board of Regents in December 2024 . He also served on boards like the Nature Conservancy of Washington, Washington State Historical Society, and North Thurston Public Schools, and volunteered with the National Institute for Civil Discourse.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Graduated from Washington State University in 1967 with a degree and teaching certificate; pursued post-graduate studies at Washington State University and the University of Oregon.
• Early Career: Public school teacher in Pasco and Montesano; worked for U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee , Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, as staff director for Washington Senate Majority Leader, education advisor to Gov. Booth Gardner, and legislative director at Department of Information Services.
• Political Experience: Elected to Washington House in 2000 ; elected to Senate in 2016 ; chaired State Government & Elections committees in both chambers; served on Ways & Means, Early Learning & K-12 Education, Appropriations, and other committees; chaired Council of State Governments West in 2017.