Vandana Slatter is a Democratic member of the Washington State Senate, representing the 48th Legislative District, which includes parts of Bellevue, Redmond, and Kirkland, as well as all of Clyde Hill, Medina, Yarrow Point, and Hunts Point. Born in 1964, she is a Canadian-American politician, licensed pharmacist, and clinical scientist with over 20 years in biotech companies, including work as an SEIU hospital pharmacist in Michigan. Appointed to the Senate on January 7, 2025, to succeed Claudia Kuderer, she retained the seat in a 2025 special election with 58% of the vote against fellow Democrat Amy Walen. Notable achievements include sponsoring first-in-the-nation legislation protecting sensitive health care data privacy, setting statewide greenhouse gas emissions targets aligned with science, expanding postsecondary education access for low-income students, creating the Washington Health Corps, and advancing homeless youth services and low-income housing tax exemptions. She prioritizes healthcare access, reproductive rights, higher education, workforce development, environmental protection, and green economy growth, serving as vice chair of the Environment, Energy & Technology Committee and a member of the Health & Long-Term Care and Higher Education & Workforce Development committees.

Education and Political Experience

• Earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Washington, where she interned for U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell.
• Appointed by Governor Christine Gregoire in 2007 to a four-year term on the Washington State Board of Pharmacy.
• Elected Bellevue City Councilmember in 2015, passing a $1.5 billion city budget and addressing affordable housing, technology, public safety, and transportation.
• Appointed State House Representative for the 48th District in 2017, serving four terms as chair of the Postsecondary Education and Workforce Committee and passing key bills on education, health privacy, climate, and emissions reductions.
• Currently serves on the boards of the Ruckelshaus Center, Evans School Dean’s Advisory Council, and Hopelink Foundation.