Sharon Tomiko Santos is a Democratic member of the Washington State House of Representatives, representing the 37th Legislative District in King County, which includes parts of Seattle. First elected in 1998, she is the first Japanese-American woman to serve in a mainland state legislature and has served multiple terms, including leadership roles such as Majority Whip and Assistant Democratic Whip. A trained civil rights and social justice activist, her key policy interests include public education, civil rights, economic justice, women's rights, affordable housing, environmental justice, and community preservation. She chairs the House Education Committee and serves on the Finance and Consumer Protection & Business committees, as well as appointments like the Washington State Investment Board and co-chair of the Education Opportunity Gap Accountability and Oversight committee. Notable achievements include sponsoring 2019 legislation amending Washington's wrongful death law to remove discriminatory residency requirements, and numerous awards such as the 2022 Franklin High School Alumni Hall of Fame induction, 2016 Washington School Counselors Association All Star Award, and 2012 Torch of Leadership Award from the Association of Washington School Principals.

Education and Political Experience

Education:

- Bachelor of Arts in General Studies, The Evergreen State College

- Master of Arts in General Studies, Northeastern University

Political Experience:

- Representative, Washington State House, District 37 Position 1

- Chair, House Education Committee

- Member, Finance Committee; Consumer Protection & Business Committee

- Former Majority Whip and Assistant Democratic Whip

- Policy staff for King County Executive

- Community and nonprofit roles, including board service with Neighborhood House, Seattle Chinatown International District Preservation and Development Authority, and World Affairs Council

Professional Background:

Worked in retail banking, nonprofit management and fundraising, and staff roles for local elected officials.