Schools, jobs top issues in 39th District race

Incumbent Dan Kristiansen and challenger Linda Wright have similar priorities. They both value funding education, want to help small businesses and aim to improve the economy by creating more jobs.

And that could make their race for state representative serving legislative District 39, Position 1, a tight one. The two-year job pays $42,106 annually.

Kristiansen won the primary with 55 percent of the vote. Still, he beat Wright, running in her first campaign, by fewer than 3,000 votes. Wright beat him in King County; Kristiansen took Snohomish and Skagit counties.

On the issues, they both agree that education should be a priority for the state. And they both agree that school districts need to have more flexibility on how they spend their money.

Kristiansen believes the Legislature can help with that by getting rid of unnecessary mandates.

“School districts have different needs. They need flexibility and that can help solve the crisis,” Kristiansen said.

Wright, who ranks education as her top priority, wants smaller class sizes and wants the state to step up to fund different programs to teach music, choir and finances, among other things. This way, students are learning things that will be useful throughout life while becoming motivated by what they are learning, she said.

“We can train people to get jobs and be successful,” Wright said.

On charter schools, Wright opposes them because she believes there is not enough local control and they can undermine school districts. Kristiansen believes parents should be allowed to decide if charter schools are good for their children.

Kristiansen says his top priority is the economy. He said the economy needs to improve to generate the money to better fund education and pay for transportation and social programs. A way to do that is to reduce some regulations that are forcing businesses to move to other states.

“It’s sad to see families move away and businesses close their doors and move because they can’t compete,” Kristiansen said.

Wright also agrees that overregulation is harming the state. She believes that permits need to be approved by too many agencies. This increases the chance of miscommunication.

“I’m tired that in Washington state, the left hand doesn’t know what the right hand is doing,” Wright said.

Alejandro Dominguez: 425-339-3422; adominguez@heraldnet.com.

What’s the job?

At stake is a two-year term as a state representative serving legislative District 39, Position 1. The annual salary is $42,106. The district includes parts of Snohomish, Skagit and King counties.

Dan Kristiansen

Residence: Snohomish

Age: 49

Party affiliation: Republican

Experience: Seeking a sixth term as a representative. Owns a home-based commercial real estate company.

Website: http://dankristiansen.org

Linda Wright

Residence: Arlington

Age: 56

Party affiliation: Democrat

Experience: Managed several small businesses. Employed as a Marysville School District school bus driver. Member of the SEIU Local 925.

Website: www.electlindawright.com

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Olivia Vanni / The Herald 
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County.
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mukilteo mayor vetoes council-approved sales tax

The tax would have helped pay for transportation infrastructure, but was also set to give Mukilteo the highest sales tax rate in the state.

Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring gives the state of the city address at the Marysville Civic Center on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Marysville council approves interim middle housing law

The council passed the regulations to prevent a state model code from taking effect by default. It expects to approve final rules by October.

x
State audit takes issue with Edmonds COVID grant monitoring

The audit report covered 2023 and is the third since 2020 that found similar issues with COVID-19 recovery grant documentation.

Bothell
Bothell man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of Marysville middle schoolers

The man allegedly sexually assaulted three students in exchange for vapes and edibles in 2022. His sentencing is set for Aug. 29.

Larsen talks proposed Medicaid cuts during Compass Health stop in Everett

Compass Health plans to open its new behavioral health center in August. Nearly all of the nonprofit’s patients rely on Medicaid.

on Monday, July 14, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mini heat wave moving into Snohomish County

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory, warning of temperatures climbing to mid-80s or low 90s Tuesday and Wednesday.

Snohomish County Dahlia Society members Doug Symonds and Alysia Obina on Monday, March 3, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
How to grow for show: 10 tips for prize-winning dahlias

Snohomish County Dahlia Society members share how they tend to their gardens for the best blooms.

Community members gather for the dedication of the Oso Landslide Memorial following the ten-year remembrance of the slide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The Daily Herald garners 6 awards from regional journalism competition

The awards recognize the best in journalism from media outlets across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

State Attorney General Nick Brown's office posted a release announcing $720 million in nationwide settlements with eight drugmakers that manufactured opioid pills and worsened the nationwide opioid crisis. The state could receive more than $16 million, the release said. (Ryan Berry/Washington State Standard)
Snohomish County to receive portion of latest $16M opioid settlement

While the amount of money is still unknown, funding plans are already in place to help with drug abuse prevention, treatment and education.

District 2 candidates differ in public safety approach

Incumbent Paula Rhyne is facing challenger Ryan Crowther. The third candidate, Jonathan Shapiro, is no longer seeking the seat.

From left to right, Edmonds City Council Position 3 candidates Joseph Ademofe, Alex Newman and Erika Barnett.
Amid budget crisis, Edmonds City Council candidates talk revenue, affordability

Three newcomers are facing off for Position 3 on the council, currently held by council President Neil Tibbott.

Everett
Everett approves new fines for non-emergency lifts

The fire department will only issue fines for non-emergency lift assists at licensed care facilities, not for individuals at home calling 911.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.