Republican State Senator Brad Hawkins of Wenatchee announced today that he plans to forgo his Senate re-election bid this fall to run for the open Chelan County Commission – District 3 position.
Hawkins shared, “My family has been through a lot in past weeks due to the drastic changes in district maps and our relocation to Wenatchee. With our wildly reconfigured district now extending far away from home, I realized that I need to refocus on my family and opportunities for local service.”
“It’s been my highest honor serving the people of the 12th District and all steps were directed toward my re-election effort, but life happens sometimes and it doesn’t always make sense. Avoiding long periods of time away from my family and bringing my public service closer to home is where my heart is leading me.”
He added, “I hope the people of Chelan County – the county where I was raised – will support my commitment to keep serving them. If given the opportunity, I know I could do a great job in the commissioner’s role and also serve well into the future.”
The two-term 12th District Senator is known for his bipartisanship, good communication, and putting public service before politics. He has served in the State Senate since 2017 and is a former State Representative and school board member.
Hawkins has a master’s degree from George Washington University’s School of Public Policy and Administration in Washington, DC and a Bachelor’s Degree with honors from Central Washington University. He received his K-12 education in the Wenatchee School District.
Brad and his wife Shawna have been married since 2002 and have two teenage boys. His family has a proud history of service, including his father Buell, who served two terms as Chelan County Commissioner for District 3 years ago before retiring early to care for his ailing wife.
“The more I thought about it and reflected on the opportunity, the more I realized what a good fit it could be, not only because of how I approach my service and my dedication to Chelan County but also because of my family’s unique history with this position.”
Hawkins said, “I pride myself in being a good communicator, sharing facts, working effectively, and getting results. I have gained valuable experience throughout my career and hope to put that to the best use for the people of Chelan County.”
He added, “Chelan County is a growing and diverse area and, like many counties, has both opportunities and challenges. I am eager to be a part of the team, work effectively with other officials, and continue to find solutions.”
Hawkins’ Priorities
- Growing our county economy
- Maintaining a balanced budget
- Promoting local tourism
- Reducing our wildfire risks
- Ensuring public safety
- Preserving critical infrastructure
- Supporting our agricultural base
- Delivering housing solutions
- Encouraging our tech sector
- Partnering with city governments
- Mitigating growing property taxes
- Identifying transportation solutions
- Enhancing outdoor recreation
- Supporting local officials and staff
Hawkins said, “These are all priorities I would bring to the Commission, one which I believe is doing a great job.”
Comments
Brad gave me a call yesterday to share his news and we had a nice chat. While I disagree with Brad on some issues, he is a class act with commitment to serving his community with a great heart. I wish him and his family the best.