Washington State House District 17, Position 1

Current seat holder: Kevin Waters.

Ben Christly

Ben Christly Elected experience: Clark County Charter Review Commissioner, a nonpartisan role focused on accountability and improving how local government works for the people; Professional experience: Navy veteran. Registered Nurse with 24 years in healthcare, including emergency and critical care, currently serving as a flight nurse. Former small business owner. Father of three.

· WA Secretary of State 2026 Voters' Pamphlet

Campaign site

“Other Professional Experience Navy veteran. Registered Nurse with 24 years in healthcare, including emergency and critical care, currently serving as a flight nurse.” (WA Secretary of State 2026 General Election Voters' Pamphlet)
“Statement Service is the center of my life. I’m a proud Navy veteran, former small business owner, flight nurse.” (WA Secretary of State 2026 General Election Voters' Pamphlet)
“As your State Representative, I’ll focus on strengthening our public schools, expanding skills training, building more housing, supporting small businesses and expanding access to affordable healthcare. I’ll listen, work across differences, and deliver practical solutions that help families build stable, affordable lives.” (WA Secretary of State 2026 General Election Voters' Pamphlet)

Kevin Waters

Kevin Waters Elected experience: Current Washington State Representative, 17th District, Position 1; Port of Skamania Commissioner (2010-2019); Professional experience: Executive Director - Skamania Economic Development Council; Founder - Backwoods Brewing Company; Co-Founder of Carson General Store; Former Skamania County Corrections Officer; Owner of Maple Leaf Events and Maple Way Cabins. Education: BA of Communications, Eastern Washington University, K-12 Stevenson/Carson School District.

· Official legislative page · WA Secretary of State 2026 Voters' Pamphlet

Campaign site

“BA of Communications, Eastern Washington University, K-12 Stevenson/Carson School District” (WA Secretary of State 2026 General Election Voters' Pamphlet)
“As your State Representative, I focus on delivering results for the 17th District: strong infrastructure, quality schools, and safe communities. I am working to invest in roads, bridges, and broadband so families and businesses can thrive.” (WA Secretary of State 2026 General Election Voters' Pamphlet)
“In Olympia, I will continue to be a consistent voice for Southwest Washington, focused on real solutions, not politics. Kevin Waters, State Representative” (WA Secretary of State 2026 General Election Voters' Pamphlet)