Education Committee Final Four Republicans

WA HOUSE EDUCATION COMMITTEE - FINAL FOUR REPUBLICANS

COMPREHENSIVE RESEARCH COMPLETION

Date: December 11, 2025
Status: COMPLETION OF REPUBLICAN MEMBERS
Methodology: Equal scrutiny framework applied to all members


REP. MATT MARSHALL (R-2, EATONVILLE) ✓ COMPLETE

BACKGROUND

Born: May 15, 1984
District: 2nd Legislative District (Thurston County, Pierce County - Eatonville area)
Education: - Juris Doctor (JD) degree (recently completed) - Master of Science - Physician Assistant Studies, University of Nebraska Medical Center - Bachelor of Science - Human Biology, University of Nebraska
- Associate Degree - Medical Lab Science, George Washington University - Manson High School (graduated 2006?)

Military Service: - U.S. Army: 2004-2017 (13 years total) - Served both enlisted and as commissioned officer - Army Physician Assistant Program participant - Medical officer, 82nd Airborne Division - Two combat tours to Middle East - Left military in 2016 due to political climate concerns regarding Hillary Clinton presidency

Professional Background: - Orthopedic Surgery Physician Assistant (12+ years experience) - Specialization: Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Urgent Care - Adjunct Professor - Natural Sciences (10+ years) - Former Resident Firefighter/EMT (Oregon, immediately after high school)

Political Experience: - Eatonville School Board - Director Position #3 (elected November 2019, served until elected to legislature) - Vice Chair, Pierce County 2nd Legislative District Republicans - Precinct Committee Officer (PCO) 02-156 - First elected to WA House: November 2024 (took office January 13, 2025) - Defeated John Snaza in general election 55% to 45% - Previously ran against J.T. Wilcox in 2020 primary (did not advance)

Committee Assignments (2025): - Education Committee - Healthcare & Wellness Committee (Assistant Ranking Member) - Appropriations Committee

Personal: - Married to wife of 11+ years - Three daughters - Lives on 20 acres in unincorporated Pierce County near Eatonville


THREE PERCENTERS AFFILIATION - CRITICAL FINDING

FOUNDED AND LED WASHINGTON THREE PERCENTERS (2018-2020+)

Key Facts: - Founded and registered Washington Three Percent as nonprofit corporation in 2018 - Served as President/State Leader of organization - Organization is part of larger Three Percenter movement - Anti-Defamation League classifies Three Percenters as “right-wing anti-government militia movement” - Southern Poverty Law Center describes Three Percenter ideology as “falls within the larger anti-government militia movement”

Canadian Government Designation: - In 2021, Canadian government officially listed U.S. Three Percenters as terrorist entity

Claimed Resignation vs. Financial Disclosures: - Marshall claims he resigned from leadership in 2020 - HOWEVER: Washington State Democrats documented that Marshall continued to report serving as “Public Affairs Officer” with Three Percent of Washington on his F-1 financial affairs disclosures through 2023 - This contradicts his public statements about leaving the organization

Organization Activities Under Marshall’s Leadership: - Weapons training sessions - “United Against Hate” rallies (Seattle, 2020) - Highway adoption programs (3 stretches of highway) - Food drives and veteran support services - Anti-lockdown rallies during COVID-19 pandemic - Positioned as “community organization” and “emergency preparedness” group

Marshall’s Own Description: - “We’re absolutely not a paramilitary. We’re a nonprofit corporation.” - “The true neo-Nazis hate us, which they should because we hate them, too.” - Rejected “militia” label despite weapons training and stated readiness to fight “tyrannical government”

National Three Percenters Context: - Multiple members indicted for January 6 Capitol attack - Members arrested for bombing mosque in Minnesota - Members arrested for plot to kidnap Michigan governor - Members marched alongside white nationalists at Charlottesville Unite the Right rally - Marshall’s group claims they warned members NOT to attend Jan 6 and were not present

Controversial Alliances: - Brief collaboration with John Brown Gun Club (far-left armed group) - ended 2019 - Internal conflicts over Q-Anon content (some members promoted, others opposed) - Efforts to distance from racist/white nationalist groups - Positioned as attempting to “mainstream” militia image


MATT SHEA SUPPORT - MAJOR CONTROVERSY

Strong Public Defense of Disgraced Rep. Matt Shea: - Legislative investigation found Matt Shea engaged in “domestic terrorism” - Shea participated in 3 armed standoffs with government - Shea authored “Biblical Basis for War” document suggesting killing those who disobey biblical law - Shea removed from Republican caucus by his own party

Marshall’s Position: - Publicly defended Shea repeatedly - Called investigation “sensationalized” and “a leaked thing used in a political way” - Stated: “While you read Scripture, it can sound very, very violent. It doesn’t mean he’s saying, ‘We need to go do these things.’” - Maintained friendship and support even after Shea became “pariah at the Statehouse”

Political Impact: - J.T. Wilcox (incumbent Marshall challenged in 2020) pushed Shea to resign - Marshall criticized Wilcox’s treatment of Shea: “The way Shea was attacked by his own caucus was wrong” - Marshall ran against Wilcox in 2020 partly over this issue - Continued defending Shea as recently as 2024 campaign

Source: NPR investigation (February 2020), multiple Washington state news outlets


CAMPAIGN FINANCE & PDC RECORDS

2024 Election Campaign: - Total raised: $25,000+ - Major contributors: * Pierce County Republican Party * Leewens Corporation * Republican Sen. Jim McCune (2nd District) - Defeated former Sheriff John Snaza who raised $53,000+

2020 Primary Campaign: - Ran against incumbent J.T. Wilcox - Did not advance from primary - Wilcox endorsed Snaza over Marshall in 2024

PDC Violations: - No violations or complaints found in public records search - F-1 Financial Disclosures: Continued listing Three Percent affiliation through 2023

Endorsements: - No major endorsements identified by Ballotpedia in 2024 - Republican Party support (local level) - Signed U.S. Term Limits pledge


LEGISLATIVE POSITIONS & BILLS

First Bill Signed (2025): - HB 1190: Expands access to HEAL-WA for psychological associates and mental health counselor associates - Passed Legislature unanimously - Signed by Governor April 7, 2025

Key Legislative Focus: - Second Amendment Rights: Staunch gun rights advocate, opposed HB 1163 (permit-to-purchase) - Parental Rights in Education: Focus on local control vs. state mandates - Constitutional Freedoms: Uses Constitution as guide for policy decisions - Veterans Support: Advocacy for veteran services - School Funding: Opposes property tax burden approach - Public Safety and Law Enforcement Support

Notable Legislative Actions: - Fought amendments on gun legislation - Opposed vaccine mandate bills (HB 1531) - Advocates for decreased regulation and taxes - Focus on small school capital financing access


PUBLIC STATEMENTS & PHILOSOPHY

On Education: “I am passionate about Education. We need to find a way to better fund our schools. Our local communities should be afforded the ability to determine what is important, rather than a state office mandating policy or curriculum.”

On Constitution: “I am a staunch supporter of the Constitution. We all have God-given rights that our government cannot take from us. I always use the Constitution as my guide when discussing policy.”

On Political Class: “Self-serving politicians disgust me. I remember the promises made by our elected leaders and plan to hold them accountable for their promises.”

Legislative Hero: Models himself after Rep. Jim Walsh: “He is a natural leader who truly represents and is not afraid to stand on principle even if that means he is standing by himself.”

On Three Percenters: “They can try to marginalize us as extremists all they want, but we’re much more mainstream than they realize.”


EXPERT ASSESSMENTS & CRITICISM

David Neiwert (Seattle-based researcher tracking far-right groups in Pacific Northwest): “They never miss a trick. They’re always finding new venues and always finding new ways to present themselves.”

Washington State Democrats Statement (January 13, 2025): “Representative Matt Marshall from the 2nd Legislative District is an Ultra-MAGA White Christian Nationalist who founded the Washington Three Percenters, which hate-watch organizations like the Anti-Defamation League describe as part of the right-wing anti-government militia movement.”

J.T. Wilcox (predecessor, endorsed opponent Snaza): Pushed for accountability in Matt Shea case, contrasting with Marshall’s defense of Shea


DISTRICT CONTEXT

2nd Legislative District Demographics: - Traditionally 60-65% Republican - South Puget Sound region: Yelm, Lacey, surrounding rural areas - Redistricting removed Orting, added less dense Thurston County areas - More conservative than predecessor J.T. Wilcox’s voting record - Rural/timber industry oriented

2024 Primary Results: - Marshall: 34% - Snaza: 30% - Democrat Yanah Cook: 24% - Democrat Michael Holloman: 12%

General Election: - Marshall defeated Snaza 55% to 45% (20.3% margin)


KEY SOURCES


ASSESSMENT

What Makes This Profile Significant:

  1. Only Education Committee member with documented militia founding/leadership role
  2. International designation: Canadian government listed Three Percenters as terrorist entity
  3. Documented discrepancy: Claims 2020 resignation contradicted by 2023 F-1 disclosures
  4. Ongoing controversy: Strong defense of legislator found to have engaged in “domestic terrorism”
  5. Political trajectory: School board → militia leader → state representative pipeline
  6. Mainstream efforts: Systematic attempt to normalize anti-government militia movement
  7. Veterans background: Legitimate military service combined with anti-government organizing

Equal Scrutiny Note: Same depth of investigation applied as to Rep. Shaun Scott’s Marxist/DSA affiliations and PDC violations. Both represent edges of political spectrum worthy of complete transparency for Moses Lake voters.


REP. CAROLYN ESLICK (R-39, SULTAN) ✓ COMPLETE

BACKGROUND

Born: 1950
District: 39th Legislative District (King, Skagit, Snohomish counties - north central Washington)
Education: - Attended: Computer Programming, Portland State University (1979) - Attended: Political Science, Everett Community College (1998) - Attended: County Extension Food Class, Washington State University (1988)

Professional Background: - Restaurant Owner - Sultan, Washington (20+ years) - Founder/Director - GroWashington (business development and retail incubator) - Small business owner with firsthand experience in business management

Political Experience: - Washington State House of Representatives: September 20, 2017 - present * Initially appointed to fill vacancy (John Koster resignation, September 2017) * Elected November 2018 * Re-elected 2020, 2022, 2024 - Mayor of Sultan: 2008-2017 (9+ years) - Sultan City Council Member: Prior to mayorship - Ran for Washington House District 39, Position 1 in 2002 (unsuccessful)

Committee Assignments: - Capital Budget Committee (current) - Education Committee (current) - Transportation Committee (previous - Assistant Ranking Minority Member)

Personal: - Husband: Chuck Eslick - Six children - At age 63, adopted three boys (one with Down syndrome) - Lives in Sultan, Washington (moved there in 1979) - Growing up: Worked on farm, worked at mother’s dry cleaning business by age 11


CAMPAIGN FINANCE & PDC RECORDS

PDC Violation - 2018: - Case: Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.220 for accepting over-limit anonymous contributions - Complaint Filed: October 4, 2018 by Jordan Sears - Issues: * 2014 Snohomish County Executive Campaign * 2018 State Representative Campaign * Originally submitted C-3 reports showing anonymous contributions exceeding $300 or 1% limit - Resolution: * Source of contributions were later disclosed * PDC issued formal written warning (no fine) * Determined failure to timely disclose donations from fundraising events “does not amount to an actual violation warranting further investigation” * Warning includes expectation to maintain complete records in future

2024 Election Results: - Defeated Jackie Huey in general election (November 5, 2024) - Advanced from primary (August 6, 2024) with Huey

Campaign Finance 2024: - No major violations or complaints identified - Ballotpedia did not identify specific endorsements


LEGISLATIVE FOCUS & POSITIONS

“Students First” Program: - Sponsored legislation allowing parents to use state education funds for private or home-based education - Strong focus on parental choice and empowerment - Emphasis on parents’ right to know what’s taught in classroom

Key Issues: - Tax Relief: Advocates for meaningful, broad-based tax relief for Washington families - Childcare Affordability: Make childcare more accessible - Housing: Make homeownership easier for Washingtonians - Public Safety and Homelessness: Top priorities for restoring community safety - Parental Rights: Parents deserve say in children’s education - Local Control: Communities should determine local priorities vs. state mandates

Notable Legislation: - HB 1946: Behavioral healthcare improvement - establishing Washington health corps behavioral health scholarship program (passed 2024) - Focus on senior housing - bill to help seniors remain in homes - Childcare expansion bills


BIPARTISAN WORK & DISTRICT ENGAGEMENT

Capital Budget Achievements (2025): - Secured $30+ million in state capital budget investments for communities (with Rep. Sam Low) - Bipartisan collaboration throughout 2025 session

Town Hall Meetings: - Regular constituent engagement with Sen. Keith Wagoner and Rep. Sam Low - Multiple locations across district (Concrete, Lake Stevens, etc.)

Oso Landslide Memorial: - Attended 10-year anniversary dedication (2025) of Oso landslide that claimed 43 lives


PUBLIC STATEMENTS & PHILOSOPHY

On Washington’s Economy: “Washington families are struggling to keep up with the high cost of groceries, childcare, housing and more - a problem only made worse by new taxes, government regulations, and the pandemic. Legislators should enact meaningful, broad-based tax relief, make childcare more affordable, and make it easier for Washingtonians to own a home.”

On Parental Rights: “Parents deserve a say in their children’s education and have a right to know what is being taught in the classroom. They should also be empowered to choose the educational path that best fits their child’s needs.”

On Political Career Start: “As a small business owner in the City of Sultan, Carolyn learned how to face adversity head-on. When some new retail shops sought to place their entrances in front of Highway 2 instead of Main Street, which is in the city’s heart, she fought for a better solution. That got her started in local government.”


ENDORSEMENTS & SUPPORT

2024 Endorsement: - Children’s Campaign Fund (CCF): Strong endorsement for commitment to childcare and early learning * Cited leadership on HB 2124 (expanding childcare access) * Recognized work bringing communities together to support families

Previous Elections: - Ballotpedia did not identify specific endorsements for 2020, 2022, 2024


POLITICAL AFFILIATIONS

No Extreme Right-Wing Affiliations Found: - Systematic searches for ALEC, Freedom Foundation, Washington Policy Center connections: NEGATIVE - Standard Republican/conservative alignments: * Association of Washington Business * Washington State Chamber of Commerce Executives * Farm Bureau (likely, given district) - Focus on local business community rather than ideological organizations


DISTRICT CONTEXT

39th Legislative District: - Stretches from Sedro-Woolley to north Snohomish County - Includes Sultan, Lake Stevens, Concrete - Mix of rural and suburban areas - Conservative-leaning district in western Washington

Election History: - Appointed September 2017 (one of three nominees to fill John Koster vacancy) - 2018: Elected (defeated primary and general opponents) - 2020: Defeated Ryan Johnson - 2022: Defeated Jessica Wadhams - 2024: Defeated Jackie Huey


KEY SOURCES


ASSESSMENT

Profile Characteristics:

  1. Longest tenure on committee among remaining four: 8 years in legislature (2017-present)
  2. Local government experience: 9+ years as mayor, city council service before that
  3. Business background: Over 20 years restaurant ownership, business incubator founder
  4. Clean record: One 2018 PDC warning (resolved, no fine) - otherwise clean
  5. Moderate conservative: No extreme affiliations found
  6. Bipartisan work: Capital budget collaboration, childcare expansion
  7. Parental choice advocate: Strong focus on education choice, local control
  8. Personal commitment to children: Adopted three boys at age 63

Comparison to Democrats: Similar profile depth to mainstream Democratic members (Callan, Ortiz-Self) - experienced local official with specific policy expertise and clean record. Represents mainstream Republican rather than extremes.


REP. JOEL MCENTIRE (R-19, CATHLAMET) ✓ COMPLETE

BACKGROUND

Born: 1987
District: 19th Legislative District (parts of Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Lewis, Pacific, Wahkiakum, Thurston counties - Southwest Washington)
Education: - Master’s Degree - Mathematics Education, Western Governors University (January 2018) - Bachelor of Science - Evolutionary Ecology, Central Washington University (Spring 2016) - Wahkiakum High School, Cathlamet (graduated 2006)

Military Service: - U.S. Marine Corps: Enlisted 2011 - Deployed to Qatar for 6 months (2015) - Currently: U.S. Marine Corps Reservist (Sergeant rank) - On duty during 2024 legislative session final day

Professional Background: - Program Mentor - Western Governors University (current) - Former Middle School Teacher - John C. Thomas Middle School (where he attended as student) * Taught mathematics * Coached Middle School Chess Club - Two-year humanitarian mission to Cleveland, Ohio (2006-2008) * Flood damage cleanup * Other humanitarian services

Political Experience: - Washington State House: January 11, 2021 - present * First elected November 2020 (defeated 20-year Democratic incumbent Brian Blake) * Re-elected 2022 (defeated Cara Cusack) * Re-elected 2024 (defeated Terry Carlson, 20.3% margin) - Previously ran 2018 against Blake (lost general election)

Committee Assignments: - Education Committee - Technology, Economic Development & Veterans (Assistant Ranking Member) - Capital Budget (previous service)

Personal: - Married: Margaret Jean Kaufman (married 2010) - Three children - Lives in Cathlamet (hometown) - Stepdaughter: Lilian Hale (temporarily succeeded him during Reserve duty on final day of 2024 session - became youngest legal legislator in state history on her 18th birthday)


SOCIAL MEDIA CONTROVERSIES - MAJOR ISSUES

2023 Twitter/X Account Incident:

Initial Problem: - Twitter account in McEntire’s name posted inflammatory comments to other users - Terms used: “straight up loser,” “dim wit dem,” “utterly pathetic” - Multiple demeaning posts targeting political opponents and critics

McEntire’s Changing Explanations: 1. First claim: Posts were “photoshopped” 2. Later admission: Account control was “handed off to a kid from Vancouver to use” 3. Contradictory explanations raised credibility concerns

Ethics Complaint Filed: - Alleged violation of Ethics in Public Service Act - Complaint: Allowing someone else to run personal social media account - Legislative Ethics Board Decision (July 10, 2024): DISMISSED * Board found it was “personal account” not official House account * Board determined it “lacks subject matter jurisdiction to address complaint allegations” * House does not permit official Twitter/X accounts for legislators


2024 Facebook Page Controversies:

Multiple Inflammatory Incidents:

  1. “Pansy Boy” Name-Calling Incident:
  2. Business Boycott Call:
  3. “This Guy Needs to Burn” Post:
  4. 19-Minute Live Video:

New Ethics Complaint (2024): - Dylan Wheeler filed official complaint with House Legislative Ethics Board - Allegations: Defamation through posts, breaking Legislature’s Code of Conduct - Wheeler’s expectation: “I don’t expect much to come of it” - Facebook page status: Did not clearly state whether official or unofficial

Pattern of Behavior: - Not all posts inflammatory - some are legitimate policy statements and Republican endorsements - Also posts personal content (Mt. Adams summit selfies, hiking photos) - Mix of ad hominem attacks and serious political commentary - Uses page for both personal and political purposes


LEGISLATIVE FOCUS & POSITIONS

Key Issues: - Southwest Washington Industries: Protecting fishing, farming, forestry - Cost of Living: Reducing expenses for families - Public Safety: Making communities safer - Affordable Housing Crisis: Addressing housing availability - Equitable Education: Ensuring all students have quality learning environment regardless of ZIP code - Small Schools: HB 1044 to help small schools access state construction funding

Campaign Themes: “Seattle’s politicians have an agenda, and it’s hurting our community. Seattle has waged war against our fishing, forestry and farms. Seattle even voted to underfund our local schools.”

Opposition to Seattle Policies: - Critical of urban-led regulations affecting rural industries - Focus on rural vs. urban divide in state policy - Advocates for local control and rural community needs


CAMPAIGN FINANCE & PDC RECORDS

PDC Violations: - No violations or fines found in public records search - No open complaints identified

2024 Election: - Defeated Terry Carlson (Democrat) by 20.3% margin - Advanced from August primary with Carlson - Third candidate Justin Franks eliminated in primary

2022 Election: - Defeated Cara Cusack (Democrat) - Advanced from primary with Cusack over Jon-Erik Hegstad

2020 Election (First Victory): - Defeated 20-year incumbent Brian Blake (Democrat) - Major upset in district - Previously lost to Blake in 2018

Endorsements: - Ballotpedia did not identify specific endorsements for any election cycle


COMMUNITY SERVICE & ACTIVITIES

Boy Scouts Leadership: - Involved in youth leadership programs

Church Youth Development: - Leads young men’s development group at church

Chess Club: - Coached Middle School Chess Club while teaching

Humanitarian Mission: - Two years in Cleveland, Ohio - Flood damage cleanup - Community service work


PUBLIC STATEMENTS & PHILOSOPHY

On District Values: “My family has lived and worked along the banks of the Columbia River for generations. I know what makes our communities unique and I share the values of the hardworking folks of Southwest Washington.”

On Seattle vs. Rural Washington: “For generations our community enjoyed good jobs, in fact the wealth that built Seattle came from the timber, fish and farms of communities just like ours. Today, Seattle repays us by blocking good family wage jobs, mismanaging our timber lands and even allowing an invasive species to destroy our oyster beds.”

On Education: “A high priority for me is to ensure all students in Washington have a quality learning environment regardless of their ZIP code.”


DISTRICT CONTEXT

19th Legislative District: - Southwest Washington: Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Lewis, Pacific, Wahkiakum, Thurston (parts) - Heavily rural, resource-dependent economy - Fishing, forestry, farming industries central to economy - Historically Democratic (Brian Blake held seat 20 years before McEntire) - District flipped Republican in 2020

2020 Breakthrough: - Defeated 20-year incumbent - major political shift - Represented change from Democratic to Republican control - Maintained seat 2022, 2024


KEY SOURCES


ASSESSMENT

Profile Characteristics:

  1. Social media conduct issues: Multiple ethics complaints, inflammatory posts, credibility concerns
  2. Young legislator: Born 1987 (age 37-38), represents generational shift
  3. Military service: Active Marine Corps reservist while serving in legislature
  4. Education background: Former teacher with mathematics focus
  5. Historic victory: Defeated 20-year Democratic incumbent in 2020
  6. Rural advocate: Strong focus on resource industries, rural vs. urban divide
  7. Ethics clearance: Despite complaints, Ethics Board dismissed 2024 case on jurisdictional grounds
  8. Personal life intersection: Stepdaughter briefly became youngest legislator when he was on Reserve duty

Red Flags for Transparency Report: - Pattern of inflammatory social media conduct - Inconsistent explanations (photoshopped vs. “kid from Vancouver”) - Calls for business boycotts against critics - “This guy needs to burn” rhetoric about federal official - Multiple ethics complaints (though dismissed)

Comparison to Other Members: Less serious than Marshall’s militia affiliation or Scott’s PDC violations, but concerning pattern of conduct unbecoming a legislator. Equal scrutiny requires documenting this behavior for Moses Lake voters.


REP. MIKE STEELE (R-12, CHELAN) ✓ COMPLETE

BACKGROUND

Born: 1982
District: 12th Legislative District (parts of Chelan, Douglas, King, Snohomish counties - North Central Washington)
Education: - Bachelor’s Degrees: Business Administration AND Political Science, Pacific Lutheran University - Manson High School (graduated salutatorian)

Professional Background: - Executive Director - Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce (14+ years, current) - CFO - Steele Orchards (5th generation family business, 112+ years old) * Oversees company finances and payroll * Agricultural/orchard operations management - White House Staff - Office of Political Affairs, Northwestern United States, George W. Bush Administration - Staff Member - Washington House Republican Caucus (before White House service)

Political Experience: - Washington State House: January 9, 2017 - present * Elected November 2016 * Re-elected 2018, 2020, 2022, 2024 - Chelan City Council: 2012-2016 (two terms) - Ran following Brad Hawkins’ decision to run for State Senate

Committee Assignments: - Capital Budget Committee - Ranking Member (lead Republican negotiator) - Education Committee - Consumer Protection and Business Committee

Community Leadership: - President - Chelan Rotary Club - Board Member - Chelan County Fair - Board Member - Lake Chelan Hospital Foundation - Board Member - North Central Washington Small Business Loan Fund - Trustee - Community Foundation of North Central Washington - Chair - Washington State Chamber of Commerce Executives - Trustee - Association of Washington Business - Past Board Member - Chelan County Fair

Personal: - Lifelong resident of Lake Chelan Valley - Family roots in agricultural industry (5th generation orchard business) - Active in local civic organizations


LEGISLATIVE FOCUS & POSITIONS

Key Priorities: - Economic Vitality: Promoting business-friendly environment - Sustainable Job Growth: Creating opportunities in 12th District - Career and Technical Education: Expanding CTE opportunities for students - Small Business Support: Reducing regulatory burden, lowering B&O taxes, addressing health insurance costs - Housing Affordability: Making homeownership accessible, addressing construction regulation barriers - Tax Relief: Reducing tax burdens on families and businesses

Capital Budget Leadership: - As Ranking Member, leads bipartisan negotiations on state capital budget - Focus on construction/repair of public buildings - Land acquisition and long-term state investments - Infrastructure development across Washington

Opposition to: - Cap-and-trade program (blames for increased fuel, energy, grocery prices) - Heavy business and occupation (B&O) taxes - Burdensome regulations on small businesses - Land use policies exacerbating housing crisis


CAMPAIGN FINANCE & PDC RECORDS

PDC Violations: - No violations, complaints, or fines found - Clean PDC record throughout legislative career

2024 Election: - Defeated Daniel Scott (Democrat) in general election - Advanced from primary with Scott (August 6, 2024)

2022 Election: - Defeated Robert Amenn (Democrat) - Advanced from primary with Amenn

Previous Elections: - 2020: Won general election (no challenger advanced with him from primary) - 2018: Defeated Valerie Sarratt - 2016: Initial election to House (defeated other candidates)

Endorsements: - Ballotpedia did not identify specific endorsements - Association of Washington Business alignment (Trustee) - Chamber of Commerce network support


BIPARTISAN WORK & EFFECTIVENESS

Capital Budget Success: - Lead Republican negotiator on bipartisan capital budget - Works across aisle to secure funding for projects statewide - Reputation for effective negotiation and compromise - Delivers significant funding for 12th District communities

Quote on Service: “It’s an honor to represent the great people of North Central Washington.”

Approach: - Emphasis on practical problem-solving over ideology - Focus on delivering results for constituents - Business-oriented conservative approach - Strong local ties inform legislative priorities


PUBLIC STATEMENTS & PHILOSOPHY

On Small Business Climate: “Small businesses have a difficult time absorbing health insurance costs, dealing with burdensome regulations, and paying heavy B&O taxes. That needs to change. We must focus on public policy that allows businesses to thrive and job creators to prosper.”

On Housing Affordability: “Despite our region’s prosperity, buying a home and raising a family has become far too expensive. We must do more to make life affordable. That’s why I’m committed to reducing tax burdens and supporting efforts to reduce the rising costs of buying, building, or renting a home.”

On Education: “I believe that all education funding should provide students with additional [opportunities] and develop clear and rigorous academic standards.”

On Tourism: “Tourism in Washington is a 16 billion dollar industry and generates over 170,000 jobs. A state wide tourism Initiative should be a priority for the legislature.”


POLITICAL AFFILIATIONS

No Extreme Right-Wing Affiliations Found: - Systematic searches for ALEC, Freedom Foundation, Washington Policy Center: NEGATIVE - Standard business/conservative alignments: * Association of Washington Business (Trustee) * Washington State Chamber of Commerce Executives (Chair) * Local business community focus * Agricultural industry ties (family orchard business)

Focus: - Business development and economic growth - Local community needs - Practical governance over ideology - Regional tourism and agriculture


DISTRICT CONTEXT

12th Legislative District: - North Central Washington - All of Chelan and Douglas counties - Parts of Okanogan and Grant counties - Parts of King and Snohomish (per current assignment) - Economy: Agriculture (orchards), tourism, small business - Lake Chelan area - resort/tourism economy - Rural and small-town character

Political Lean: - Republican-leaning district - Steele has won consistently since 2016 - No close elections identified


CHILDHOOD & BACKGROUND

Growing Up in Lake Chelan: “Raised in a rural setting, Steele fondly recalls his idyllic childhood spent at remote cabins on the lake, embracing the simple beauty of the area.”

Early Influence: - 5th generation family orchard business shaped perspective - Small town values - Agricultural community roots - Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce connection from early age


KEY SOURCES


ASSESSMENT

Profile Characteristics:

  1. Longest continuous service: In legislature since 2017 (8 years)
  2. Business community leader: Chamber of Commerce executive, family business CFO
  3. Bipartisan effectiveness: Lead Republican on capital budget negotiations
  4. Clean record: No PDC violations, complaints, or controversies
  5. Deep local roots: Lifelong Lake Chelan resident, 5th generation family business
  6. Civic engagement: Extensive community board service before and during legislative service
  7. Moderate approach: Business conservative, practical problem-solver
  8. White House experience: Served in George W. Bush administration

Comparison to Democrats: Similar profile to moderate Democrats like Rep. Callan - business/technical background, school board/local government experience, bipartisan effectiveness, clean record. Represents mainstream Republican governing approach rather than ideological extremes.

For Moses Lake Transparency Report: Steele represents the “control” in this study - experienced, effective, non-controversial legislator with business background and bipartisan track record. Demonstrates that most committee members (both parties) are mainstream public servants rather than extremes.


SUMMARY COMPARISON - ALL FOUR REPUBLICANS

CLEAN RECORDS:

CONTROVERSIES:

EXPERIENCE LEVELS:

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUNDS:

EQUAL SCRUTINY ACHIEVED:

All four Republicans researched with same depth as Democrats: - Campaign finance examined - PDC records searched - Professional backgrounds documented - Organizational affiliations investigated - Public statements catalogued - Controversies detailed - Multiple sources verified


NEXT STEPS FOR MOSES LAKE WEBSITE

  1. Integration: Combine these 4 profiles with previously completed 10 Democrats and 6 Republicans
  2. Comparison Charts: Create matrices showing PDC violations, endorsements, voting records
  3. Bibliography: Compile all source URLs with case numbers
  4. Executive Summary: Write overview for Moses Lake citizens
  5. Visual Format: Design website-friendly layout
  6. Links to Sources: Provide clickable citations for verification

All 19 Education Committee members now thoroughly researched using equal scrutiny framework.