Dunn was a GOP powerhouse

WASHINGTON — Former U.S. Rep. Jennifer Dunn, who became the most powerful Republican woman in Washington state history during six terms representing Seattle’s eastside suburbs, died Wednesday after developing a blood clot and collapsing in her Virginia apartment, said a statement from her family. She was 66.

Dunn, a favorite of both Bush White Houses, was the state’s ranking Republican in Congress when she retired in 2004, turning down a plea from President George W. Bush to run for Senate. She said at the time she was pursuing a new career as a policy adviser and planned to enjoy time with her new husband and baby granddaughter.

Her son, King County Councilman Reagan Dunn, called the death “a total shock” and added: “She gave her whole life giving to other people. She touched a lot of lives and did a lot for her country.”

Dunn’s political career was a series of firsts: first woman to chair the Washington State Republican Party; first freshman woman to win a place in the House Republican leadership team; and the highest ranking Republican woman in leadership as the vice chair of the conference.

Former U.S. Sen. Slade Gorton, R-Wash., said that besides breaking the glass ceiling for Republican women in the House, Dunn had a great personality “outgoing and friendly and concerned.”

“She was a major part of my life as she was a major part of the political life of the state of Washington,” he told KOMO radio in Seattle.

Known for her work to cut the inheritance tax, for promoting small and women-owned businesses, and for sponsoring the Amber Alert bill to locate missing children, Dunn was an influential senior member of the House Republican caucus. She served as a member of the Ways and Means Committee, vice chairwoman of the Homeland Security Committee and a member of the caucus campaign team. She was a frequent spokeswoman for the House, once giving the Republican response to a State of the Union Address by President Bill Clinton. She helped run three Republican national conventions.

“While I never took a pledge on term limits, I do believe that our nation is better served if from time to time we senior members step aside to allow individuals with fresh ideas to challenge the status quo in Congress,” she said when she retired.

Bush praised Dunn on her retirement, calling her “a superb legislator and a strong leader who has stood for the best of Washington state’s values and who has improved the lives of its people.”

Gov. Chris Gregoire said that in addition to being a political leader, Dunn “was a devoted wife and mother and always kept her family as her top priority.”

As the first woman to chair the state GOP, Dunn led the party to significant gains in the Legislature, then repeated that feat in Congress, said Rep. Doc Hastings, who succeeded her as the state’s most senior Republican.

When she was elected to the House in 1992, she was the only Republican in the nine-member delegation. Two years later, five more Republicans, including Hastings, joined her.

Dunn’s greatest accomplishment in Congress and a focus of years of effort was cutting the inheritance tax, or what Dunn and other opponents called the death tax.

“She was a tireless advocate of that,” Hastings said, adding that Dunn also should be remembered as a strong advocate of free trade.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Aaron Weinstock uses an x-ray machine toy inside the Imagine Children Museum on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Imagine Children’s Museum $250k grant reinstated following federal court order

The federal grant supports a program that brings free science lessons to children throughout rural Snohomish County.

Snohomish County 911 Executive Director Kurt Mills talks about the improvements made in the new call center space during a tour of the building on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
New 911 center in Everett built to survive disaster

The $67.5 million facility brings all emergency staff under one roof with seismic upgrades, wellness features and space to expand.

Everett
Five arrested in connection with Everett toddler’s 2024 overdose death

More than a year after 13-month-old died, Everett police make arrests in overdose case.

Madison Family Shelter Family Support Specialist Dan Blizard talks about one of the pallet homes on Monday, May 19, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Madison Family Shelter reopens after hiatus

The Pallet shelter village, formerly Faith Family Village, provides housing for up to eight families for 90 days.

Helion's 6th fusion prototype, Trenta, on display on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Helion celebrates smoother path to fusion energy site approval

Helion CEO applauds legislation signed by Gov. Bob Ferguson expected to streamline site selection process.

Everett Historic Theater owner Curtis Shriner inside the theater on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Historic Everett Theatre sale on horizon, future uncertain

With expected new ownership, events for July and August will be canceled. The schedule for the fall and beyond is unclear.

The Washington state Capitol on April 18. (Photo by Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero/Washington State Standard)
‘I’m pretty upset’: WA lawmaker wants to override governor’s veto of his bill

State lawmakers delivered 423 bills to Gov. Bob Ferguson this year and… Continue reading

Ellis Johnson, 16, left, and brother Garrett Johnson, 13, take a breather after trying to find enough water to skim board on without sinking into the sand during opening day of Jetty Island on Friday, July 5, 2019 in Everett, Wash. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Epic ways to spice up your summer

Your ultimate guide to adventure, fun and reader-approved favorites!

Sarah and Cole Rinehardt, owners of In The Shadow Brewing, on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 in Arlington, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
In The Shadow Brewing: From backyard brews to downtown cheers

Everything seems to have fallen into place at the new taproom location in downtown Arlington

Mountlake Terrace Mayor Kyoko Matsumoto Wright speaks during the State of the City prevention at City Hall on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 in Mountlake Terrace, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mountlake Terrace celebrates connections at State of the City address

Over the past year, Mountlake Terrace has focused on preparing for growth and engaging the community.

Driver survives guardrail running through car in Everett crash on I-5

Driver hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.

Outside of the Madrona School on Monday, Aug. 26, 2024 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Sewer district notifies Edmonds schools of intent to sue

The letter of intent alleges the school district has failed to address long-standing “water pollution issues” at Madrona K-8 School.

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.