Biographies of the 39th Legislative District candidates

Herald staff

Val Stevens, Republican

Age: 60

Hometown: Arlington

Education: Graduated Peninsula High School, Gig Harbor.

Occupation: Retired interior designer

Political experience: State representative, 1993-1996, state senator, 1997-2000.

Fun Fact: She likes to garden and when it’s not campaign season, she plants vegetables and flowers. She also likes to prune trees and loves being a grandmother to four grandchildren.

Fredda Smith, Democrat

Age: 45

Hometown: Arlington

Education: Graduated Pilchuck High School 1973; vocational teaching certificate, state of Washington.

Occupation: Dental office administrator, Lake Washington Technical School instructor in the dental assistant program.

Political experience: 11 years on the Lakewood School Board.

Fun Fact: She likes to quilt and do sewing crafts and she also skis.

Web site: www.freddasmithforsenate.com

Craig Chase, Libertarian

Age: 21

Hometown: Arlington

Education: Associate’s degree, and working on a bachelor’s in construction management at the University of Washington.

Occupation: Construction company employee

Political experience: None.

Fun Fact: He likes to fish. “There’s nothing better than spending a day or two in a boat fishing.”

Dan Kristiansen, Republican

Age: 37

Hometown: Snohomish

Education: Graduated Shorecrest High School, Shoreline.

Occupation: Wholesale representative

Political experience: None.

Fun Fact: He loves to off-road trail ride in jeeps with his children. He and other fathers have a group to take their children to the Cascades to ride on dedicated trails and camp, allowing the moms to have a weekend to themselves.

Hans Dunshee, Democrat

Age: 47

Hometown: Snohomish

Education: Bachelor’s degree in anthropology from the University of Washington.

Occupation: Septic system designer.

Political Experience: State representative, 1993-2000.

Web site: www.hansdunshee.com

Fun Fact: He loves to sea kayak. He also was a University of Washington wrestling letterman in 1973.

Robert Donat, Libertarian.

Donat withdrew from the race, giving his support to Kristiansen.

Liz Loomis, Democrat.

Age: 30

Hometown: Snohomish

Education: Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs at George Washington University, Washington, D.C.

Occupation: Owns a communications agency.

Political experience: Snohomish City Council 1997 to 2000, planning commission 1995 to 1997.

Web site: www.loomisforstaterep.com

Fun fact: Her favorite sport to play is professional kickboxing, wearing a helmet and gloves. Although she is a novice at it, she wants to pursue it.

Kirk Pearson, Republican

Age: 42

Hometown: Monroe

Education: Attended Wenatchee Valley College and Central Washington University.

Occupation: Special assistant to U.S. Congressman Jack Metcalf.

Political experience: None.

Web site: www.go-gop.com/kirk

Fun fact: He likes to lift weights and works out four times a week when not campaigning. His best bench press record is 375 pounds.

Christine Lawniczak, Libertarian.

Age: 27

Hometown: Monroe

Education: Not available.

Occupation: Manager of a company that provides workplace and life-effectiveness tools.

Political experience: Not available .

Fun fact: Likes hiking and traveling.

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.

Snohomish County Health Department Director Dennis Worsham on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish County Health Department director tapped as WA health secretary

Dennis Worsham became the first director of the county health department in January 2023. His last day will be July 3.

Logo for news use featuring the municipality of Mukilteo in Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
On second go, Mukilteo City Council votes against sales tax hike

A veto from Mayor Joe Marine forced the council to bring the potential 0.1% sales tax increase back for another vote Monday.

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.

Two visitors comb the beach at Kayak Point Regional County Park on Friday, June 14, 2024, in Tulalip, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Nate Nehring and WSU Beach Watchers to host beach cleanup at Kayak Point

Children and families are especially encouraged to attend the event at Kayak Point Regional County Park.

One person dead in single-vehicle fatal crash near Stanwood

A 33-year-old male was found dead at the scene Monday evening with his vehicle partially wrapped around a tree.

Logo for news use featuring Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Snohomish Regional firefighters respond to nearly 90 calls on the Fourth

While crews stayed busy on Independence Day, it was far more peaceful than other years.

Vehicles travel along Mukilteo Speedway on Sunday, April 21, 2024, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Mukilteo approves 84-acre annexation east of Speedway

The annexation of unincorporated land is expected to bring new revenue to the city as it faces budget challenges.

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.