Sharon Nelson represented the 34th Legislative District in Washington state, covering parts of King County including West Seattle, Vashon Island, Maury Island, most of North Highline, and Burien. Born in 1951 in Park Rapids, Minnesota, she entered politics after a failing septic tank at her home sparked citizen activism, leading to a successful consumer protection bill in 1996. She was appointed to the Washington House of Representatives in November 2007 to fill an unexpired term, served two terms there until 2010, and was then elected to the State Senate, where she was sworn in on December 2, 2010. Nelson served as Democratic Leader of the Washington State Senate from 2013 to 2018, leading her caucus during key sessions including the progressive 2018 session. Notable achievements include leading the environmental campaign to prevent strip mining on Maury Island, culminating in 2010 when King County purchased the land for preservation as a park, protecting orca habitat. She announced her retirement in March 2018 to spend more time with family, concluding her legislative service after over a decade. Prior to elected office, she was Chief of Staff for King County Councilmember Dow Constantine and Vice President at Bank of America , specializing in commercial lending. She lives on Maury Island with her husband John, with two grown daughters.

Education and Political Experience

Education: BA in Psychology, Whitman College, 1973.

Political Experience:
- Founding President, Preserve Our Islands .
- Chief of Staff, King County Councilmember Dow Constantine.
- Washington House of Representatives, 34th District .
- Washington State Senate, 34th District ; Democratic Leader/Majority Leader .