Sharon Wylie is a Democratic representative for Washington's 49th Legislative District, which includes Vancouver west of Interstate 205 and Hazel Dell. Born on July 12, 1949, in New Orleans, Louisiana, she resides in Vancouver, Washington, and has served multiple terms in the Washington House of Representatives, currently in her eighth term after being appointed in April 2011 to fill a vacancy and subsequently elected. She is married to Ted Gathe, former Vancouver City Attorney, with over 45 years of marriage. Notable achievements include securing funding for the Clark County Center for Community Health, a new crime lab, and the Salmon Creek Interchange; serving on committees such as Environment & Energy, Transportation, and Finance; appointment to the Washington State Arts Commission in 2019; selection as a 2013 Henry Toll Fellow by the Council of State Governments; and advocacy for reducing poverty, homelessness, and replacing the I-5 Interstate Bridge. She previously served two terms in the Oregon Legislature, organized a farmers’ market, staffed a rape-crisis center, and held leadership roles like president of Clark County’s Council for the Homeless and board member of Affordable Community Environments.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Earned a BA in Political Science from the University of California, Riverside in 1973.
• Political Experience: Began career as Tukwila city administrator in 1981; lobbyist in Olympia for nine years representing local governments; Government Relations Officer for Clark County and transportation organizations prior to 2011 House appointment; previously represented Oregon's District 22 from 1993 to 1997; served as Assistant Majority Whip starting in 2013; chaired the Regulated Substances and Gaming Committee; member of the Economic Development Finance Authority, Technology and Energy Committee, and Nuclear Energy Task Force; facilitator for the National Institute for Civil Discourse; as of recent updates, running for Clark County Auditor. Over 25 years in management, government relations, business, non-profits, and government.