Sultan lawmaker will not seek reelection when her term ends

Published 4:57 pm Tuesday, March 31, 2026

EVERETT — After nearly a decade in the Legislature, state Rep. Carolyn Eslick, R-Sultan, announced Tuesday she will not seek reelection when her current term ends.

Eslick, 76, represents District 39, which covers most of Snohomish and Skagit counties. Her current term ends Jan. 11, 2027, before the next legislative session starts on Jan. 12.

Eslick originally planned to run for reelection, and had even registered for the August primary on Oct. 9.

“After many years in public office, I’ve decided this is the right time to step away from the Legislature,” she said in a press release. “There is still more to be done to make sure people can access the support they need, and I plan to stay engaged in that effort.”

Her decision to step away “reflects a desire” to devote more time to work that supports families and improves behavioral health services, where her work has “always been centered,” Eslick said in the release.

Eslick first became a state lawmaker in 2017. Before that, she served on the Sultan City Council from 1996 to 2002, and as Sultan’s mayor from 2008 to 2017. She also founded GROW Washington, a nonprofit that helps entrepreneurs start and grow small businesses.

“It has been an honor to represent the people of the 39th District,” Eslick said in the release. “I’m thankful for the trust they placed in me and for the opportunity to work on issues that matter to families across our state.”

She will continue to stay active in the community and help connect people to support and services they need, she said.

“This is not the end of the work, but a new chapter,” Eslick said.

Taylor Scott Richmond: 425-339-3046; taylor.richmond@heraldnet.com; X: @BTayOkay