Meet Jessica


"I am excited to take this next step in my public service journey and run for the Washington State House of Representatives in a people powered campaign." 
 
Jessica Forsythe is a proud union member and Executive Director of Emerge WA, a non-profit that focuses on uplifting women and non-binary future leaders. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Kent State University, Forsythe has a diverse background in environmental graphic design, non-profit arts, and politics. 

No stranger to volunteerism, Forsythe entered the pro-democracy space in 2016 through joining the boards of the League of Women Voters and the 48th Legislative District Democrats. She also volunteered her creative skills on numerous voting rights initiatives and King County’s Access for All.  

Forsythe was elected to the Redmond City Council in 2019 and served as the Council President in her first term. As a Councilmember Jessica has served on numerous regional committees, passed multiple $1B budgets, proposed policy that became state law, and worked on issues including affordable housing, climate change, public safety, transportation, and infrastructure. She is incredibly proud of the many accomplishments the City Council achieved together. 

Being elected as the world entered a global pandemic meant facing unprecedented challenges and that the government had to make tough decisions, be more collaborative and nimble. This made Jessica a stronger and more resilient leader and advocate. It also provided her with the experience and a solid foundation that she looks forward to taking to Olympia as we face a whole new set of complex challenges. 

Prior to entering the political arena, Jessica has been an award-winning creative director and small business owner. Her work has ranged from LEED-certified mixed-use architecture projects — like the ones popping up across our district — to establishing the brand for the Seattle Symphony’s Grammy Award-winning record label. Her background as a creative thinker means taking a holistic approach to any problem and putting people at the forefront of all decisions. Jessica brings this kind of design-thinking to the legislature.

Inspired by her Baba’s (grandmother) stories of being a Riveter, her Papa’s (grandfather) fight against fascism serving WWII, and her upbringing centered on volunteering, curiosity, and continual learning, Jessica honors her family's legacy through her work and commitment to public service.

The Issues

Climate & Environmental Resiliency

It’s imperative that we take steps today to secure a healthy environment for future generations. Between the bomb cyclone and catastrophic flooding, we’re seeing the direct impacts of climate change right now. We need policy focused on tangible large and small scale actions that can be taken at all levels. In my first few months as a Councilmember, I co-wrote the city’s Climate Emergency Declaration and shaped our Environmental Sustainability Action Plan that serves as the roadmap to an environmentally sustainable community and achieve net zero carbon emissions. I will bring the insights needed to shift the conversations on climate change legislation from the price tag of immediate costs to the price we are already paying.

Affordability & Unlocking the Future

Everyone deserves to have housing where they feel stable and connected. I’ve heard from families and working people in our district who struggle with remaining in their homes or finding affordable housing. These are people who serve and have deep roots in our community. We need more housing options that provide affordable housing at all levels of affordability so that they can remain a part of the community they call home. As a Redmond City Councilmember, I have advocated for increased levels of deeply affordable housing and renter protections, and I will continue that fight in Olympia.

Investment in Education & Future Generations 

Investment in education is an investment in the long-term prosperity of our district. Washington ranks below the national average for investment in education which has led to staff cuts, school closures, and service reductions in order to balance budgets. We must actively seek sustainable and equitable funding models that fully-fund education and reduce reliance on local levies to address the growing inequities. I will continue to advocate for sustainable and equitable funding for K-12 schools, expansion of access to early learning and special education, and an deeper investments in career-connected and post-secondary programs.

Public Health & Behavioral Health

A healthy community is a thriving community. Far-reaching actions at the Federal level are having direct impacts on our daily lives. As a state, we must safeguard reproductive rights, expand mental, behavioral, and disability  services and ensure that we respond with evidence-based practices. I am committed to ensuring that every Washingtonian has the opportunity to live a healthy life, regardless of income, identity, or circumstance.

Ethical Government

No one is above the law. In order for our government to work for the people, everyone’s voice must be considered—especially those less frequently heard. I am committed to being a voice for the people. We must examine issues from all perspectives and develop thoughtful, inclusive solutions that ask whose voices are not being represented and why. My experience in design-thinking framework has guided my work in office and will continue to inform my commitment for responsive solutions over personal gains.

Economy & Small Business

Small businesses provide ingenuity and opportunity while playing a critical role in our vibrant and healthy economy. Too many of our small and local businesses are being squeezed out and over burdened. As a small business owner and union member, I’ve worked closely to understand the complexities of these issues and advocate for increased small business support in the form of financial support programs, rent relief, and employee stability. I will continue to lead with curiosity and fight for solutions that uplift economic opportunities for all.

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CREATE CHANGE!