Senator Tina Orwall

Tina Louise Orwall is a Democratic state senator representing Washington's 33rd Legislative District. Born April 3, 1965, she was appointed to the Washington State Senate in 2024 after serving 15 years in the House of Representatives, where she held the position of Speaker pro tempore from 2017 to 2018 and again from 2021 to 2024.

Orwall built her career advocating for vulnerable and marginalized communities. She worked as a clinical social worker focused on serving individuals experiencing mental illness and homelessness. She also served as coordinator for the Washington State Taking Health Care Home Grant with the City of Seattle Office of Housing, where she convened a Funders Group that resulted in the creation of 1,000 units of Housing First, low-barrier housing for chronically homeless individuals.

Her legislative work has centered on issues affecting South King County and vulnerable populations, including veterans, women, youth, and survivors of sexual assault. Notable achievements include leading rape kit reform efforts that cleared the backlog in 2023 and created trauma-informed responses for survivors, championing suicide prevention measures including training requirements and implementation of the 988 system, and advancing anti-trafficking laws and protections for victims.

Education

Orwall earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Washington in 1988 and later completed her Master of Social Work in Administration from the same institution in 1991.

Political Experience

Orwall has represented the 33rd district since 2009, beginning her legislative career in the House of Representatives. Beyond her role as Speaker pro tempore, she has served on numerous committees and task forces addressing veterans' affairs, sex trafficking, and commercially sexually exploited children. She is an active member of the Kent Chamber of Commerce, an Honorary Rotarian, and a State Director for Women In Government.