Washington State House District 37, Position 1

Current seat holder: Sharon Tomiko Santos.

Kelabe Tewolde

Kelabe Tewolde Elected experience: First time candidate running to bring needed generation change to Olympia; Professional experience: Associate Director of Leadership Development, Rainier Scholars (2018-present); UX Research, Bloom Works and Washington Thriving (2024); Casework and Legislative Internships, US Senator Patty Murray. Education: Colgate University, BA Political Science.

· WA Secretary of State 2026 Voters' Pamphlet

Campaign site

“I was raised by a single mom who came to this country as a refugee. As a child in Seattle, we experienced housing insecurity, medical debt, and gun violence.” (WA Secretary of State 2026 General Election Voters' Pamphlet)
“It’s time for change in Olympia, to address urgent needs and restore hope: housing affordability for struggling families, quality childcare for working parents, interest limits on medical debt, and early interventions that keep kids learning.” (WA Secretary of State 2026 General Election Voters' Pamphlet)
“I am an alumni of Rainier Scholars, a program that changed the trajectory of my life. That experience showed me what happens when you invest in young people early, it's where I learned the best prevention isn't punishment, it's opportunity.” (Ballotpedia Candidate Connection (2026))

Sharon Tomiko Santos

Sharon Tomiko Santos ( Democratic Party ) is a member of the Washington House of Representatives, representing District 37-Position 1. She assumed office in 1999.

· Official legislative page

Campaign site

“In these tough times, Washington families face rising costs and complex challenges. As your State Representative and the House Education Chair, I am focused on a future where economic security and quality education are accessible to everyone.” (WA Secretary of State 2026 General Election Voters' Pamphlet)
“Our path forward requires equity expertise and bold, practical solutions. My deep community roots shape my commitment to modernizing our workforce, increasing our housing supply, and ensuring tax fairness for working families.” (WA Secretary of State 2026 General Election Voters' Pamphlet)
“OLYMPIA – Majority Leader Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon (D-West Seattle) released the following statement regarding today’s ferry service disruption: “Ferries are a vital, integral part of our transportation system in Washington.” (Legislative caucus website (housedemocrats.wa.gov))