Washington State House District 31, Position 2

Current seat holder: Josh Penner.

Joshua Penner

Joshua Penner Elected experience: State Representative (Assistant Ranking Member, Appropriations; Finance; Early Learning & Human Services); Former Mayor (8 years), Councilmember (6 years), and Planning Commissioner (2 years), City of Orting; Former Chair, Pierce County Regional Council; Former Charter Review Commissioner, District 1; Professional experience: Executive Strategy, Penner & Co; Veteran, United States Marine Corps: Iraq War Veteran & Radio Operator.

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

Campaign site

“State Representative (Assistant Ranking Member, Appropriations; Finance; Early Learning & Human Services); Former Mayor (8 years), Councilmember (6 years), and Planning Commissioner (2 years), City of Orting; Former Chair, Pierce County Regional Council; Former Charter Review Commissioner, District 1.” (WA Secretary of State 2026 General Election Voters' Pamphlet)
“Executive Strategy, Penner & Co; Veteran, United States Marine Corps: Iraq War Veteran & Radio Operator.” (WA Secretary of State 2026 General Election Voters' Pamphlet)
“Harvard University, Master's (ALM); St. Martin's University, BA; Green River Community College, AA; Sumner High School.” (WA Secretary of State 2026 General Election Voters' Pamphlet)

John Bielka

John Bielka Elected experience: First time public servant; Professional experience: John is a Civil engineer and public works director with more than 30 years managing infrastructure, budgets, and operations. John has owned an excavation business and proudly raises cattle at his farm outside of Orting. Education: John holds a Bachelors in Civil Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan; graduate coursework in engineering economics and accounting.

· WA Secretary of State 2026 Voters' Pamphlet

Campaign site

“As a civil engineer, public works director, and cattle farmer, I have spent my career solving problems, managing budgets, and delivering creative results for our communities.” (WA Secretary of State 2026 General Election Voters' Pamphlet)
“District 31 needs practical leadership focused on affordability, housing, infrastructure, and strong schools.” (WA Secretary of State 2026 General Election Voters' Pamphlet)
“Housing costs are squeezing working families, seniors, and young people trying to stay in their communities. We need more housing choices, faster permitting, and practical paths to ownership.” (Campaign website (bielka31.com))