Steve Hobbs - Secretary of State of Washington

Steve Hobbs is Washington's 16th Secretary of State, serving since 2021. Born February 12, 1970, in Everett, Washington, Hobbs is the proud son of a Japanese immigrant. He is the first person of color to serve as Washington's Secretary of State and only the second Secretary of State in state history who was born in Washington.

Hobbs has dedicated over 30 years to military service, currently holding the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Washington State Army National Guard. He has completed combat tours in Kosovo and Iraq, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, he commanded more than 750 members in Task Force Olympic, a Western Washington response mission.

Education

Hobbs graduated from Lake Stevens High School and attended Everett Community College before transferring to the University of Washington. His academic credentials include:

• Bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of Washington
• Master's degree in Public Administration from the University of Washington Evans School
• Military Science, Leadership and Operational Art from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College

Political Experience

Democratic Party: Hobbs is a member of the Democratic Party and was elected to his current position by Washington voters in 2022 after Governor Jay Inslee appointed him in 2021.

State Senate: Hobbs served as a state senator representing Washington's 44th Legislative District from 2007 to 2021, being elected three times. During his tenure, he chaired the Transportation Committee and developed a reputation as a champion of bipartisanship. He also served as Vice President Pro Tempore of the Washington State Senate and sat on numerous committees including Agriculture, Energy and Environment, Financial Institutions, and Veterans' and Military Affairs.

Notable Achievements: As Secretary of State, Hobbs has prioritized greater election security, countering election misinformation, and expanding voter education and outreach. In 2023, he was named Western Region Vice President of the National Association of Secretaries of State. He has received numerous honors including the Henry M. Jackson Award and recognition as "Legislator of the Year" from multiple organizations.