STANWOOD — Incumbent Democratic state Rep. Clyde Shavers is looking to fend off two Republican challengers in Tuesday’s primary in the 10th Legislative District.
Shavers has been in office since 2023. The district covers Island County, a wide swath of the north coast of Snohomish County, as well as Arlington and parts of Skagit County.
Republicans Carrie Kennedy and Yvonne Gallardo-Van Ornam are looking to unseat Shavers. In 2020, Kennedy challenged longtime U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen. Gallardo-Van Ornam has been on the Arlington City Council since 2022. Prior to that, she served on Arlington’s Planning Commission.
Shavers serves as vice chair of the House Education Committee, as well as committees on innovation and veterans affairs.
His number one issue now?
“Lowering the cost of living, that will be a priority. And that was a priority,” Shavers said. “That will always be a priority for us.”
He also identified veterans issues, housing, mental health care and special education funding as areas of concern. While campaigning in 2022, Shavers drew criticism for embellishing his military career. He claimed he served on a nuclear submarine, but his own father alleged he didn’t. Still, he prevailed over the incumbent Republican, Greg Gilday, turning the seat blue. He won by less than 300 votes.
The public dispute had other consequences, as well.
“When Mr. Shavers was dishonest about his military service I decided then that I would run for this race,” Kennedy said.
Kennedy is a self-described “American Patriot” and “Constitutionalist” and feels an influx of people moving from the “lawlessness” of Seattle is a major issue for the district. She wonders if a full audit of the state government is in order and why social issues are “at the forefront” of politics.
“I think I’m a good candidate to go down to Olympia and be a voice for the people,” said Kennedy, who lives on Whidbey Island.
She also said she was a stay-at-home-mom for a time, which allowed her to spend time in local schools. Education is a big part of her campaign platform.
“We can’t keep throwing money at these districts because money isn’t the resolution for everything,” Kennedy said. “If we’re going to keep throwing money so we can do special social agendas, I don’t personally see the point. They’re not getting good history and good science, good math skills. The STEM skills are absolutely in peril in this country.”
Social issues have been a major issue in the legislative district the past two years. In 2023, 75 anti-LGBTQ+ protesters came to a Pride event in Arlington. Religious leaders ratcheted up a pressure campaign against the city’s queer community in the run-up to the event.
Those events have faced pressure in many small towns in Snohomish County. Earlier this year, the Stanwood-Camano School District community was in uproar over comments made by school board members on the topic of diversity, equity and inclusion.
Kennedy believes there are only two genders, but said she supports people’s rights to live as they choose.
“When we start having to cater to a specific group, for whatever their ideologies are, I think that that is creating problems,” Kennedy said. “We’ve got a month of Pride, and that’s great, but why don’t we have a month of military veteran time or a heterosexual month. I’m just saying, if we’re going to do it for one, let’s do it for all, that’s really what the All Lives Matter is for me.”
Shavers had little to say on the topic of queer rights or social issues in the area. He pointed to his record on education. He sponsored bills to improve education access and trade education this year in Olympia.
“Locally and across the board we see students who want to have that inclusive learning experience,” Shavers said.
Gallardo-Van Ornam said she would stay on the City Council if she won. Kennedy attacked her on this, questioning how Gallardo-Van Ornam would split her time. Holding multiple elected positions isn’t unheard of in Snohomish County — Sam Low and Strom Peterson serve in both the state Legislature and on the County Council.
Gallardo-Van Ornam sees it as an advantage.
“I hope that people understand the importance and the significance and the benefit of having somebody local on a City Council, running at the state level and being able to bring that information and bring those touch points,” she said.
Transportation issues, including ferry service, are top priorities for her. Drug issues, homelessness and affordable housing also are. She said businesses in the district’s three counties are frustrated too.
“Businesses are upset that they call police, and the police, their hands are tied,” Gallardo-Van Ornam said.
She added: “We’ve created rules and policies that make it hard for the police to do their job.”
Gallardo-Van Ornam’s campaign is well funded. She’s received $40,000 from the House Republican Organizational Committee, as well as money from the Washington Hospitality Association, the Puget Sound Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association and money from a general contractor political action committee, according to filings with the state Public Disclosure Commission.
In total, she’s received more than $73,000.
Shavers, meanwhile, has raised over $100,000. His biggest donors are the House and Senate Democratic campaign committees.
Kennedy has raised about $7,000.
Gallardo-Van Ornam said she was undecided on who she’d vote for president. Shavers said he would vote for the eventual Democratic nominee, which appears to be Vice President Kamala Harris. Kennedy will be voting for Donald Trump.
Ballots are due Tuesday.
Jordan Hansen: 425-339-3046; jordan.hansen@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @jordyhansen.
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