Veteran Democrat strategist Terry Thompson has died

  • By Jerry Cornfield
  • Tuesday, May 6, 2014 3:23pm
  • Local News

Terry Thompson, political advisor and campaign strategist for dozens of Democrats in the past three decades, has died. He was 57

Thompson passed away May 1 in Olympia, according to his brother, Pat. He did not disclose the cause of death.

Thompson’s association with Washington’s Democratic Party date back to the 1990s when he worked for the political arm of the House Democratic Caucus.

Through his firm, TR Strategies, he managed campaigns of several Democrats with ties to Snohomish County including current office-holders Sen. Steve Hobbs, D-Lake Stevens, and Rep. Ruth Kagi, D-Seattle.

His clients also included former Snohomish County executive Aaron Reardon and former state senator Jean Berkey.

Tributes from friends have been posted on Thompson’s Facebook page including this one from Hobbs:

Democrats lost a great political consultant and public servant. Terry was one of the best political consultants out there and understood swing districts and moderate candidates. His customer service, loyalty, and hard work was second to none. To me he was more than a political consultant, he was a stalwart friend and mentor and was the energy and engine to my campaigns. He was practically a father figure to me. Not only did he guide me during my first campaign but he taught me to be a better statesman and person. I will miss our time fishing, long talks and hanging out at Ben Moores listening to your stories about the good ol’ days.

Pat Thompson said plans are being made for a memorial service.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Snohomish County prosecutor Kara Van Slyck delivers closing statement during the trial of Christian Sayre at the Snohomish County Courthouse on Thursday, May 8, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Jury deliberations begin in the fourth trial of former Everett bar owner

Jury members deliberated for about 2 hours before Snohomish County Superior Court Judge Millie Judge sent them home until Monday.

Danny Burgess, left, and Sandy Weakland, right, carefully pull out benthic organisms from sediment samples on Thursday, May 1, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘Got Mud?’ Researchers monitor the health of the Puget Sound

For the next few weeks, the state’s marine monitoring team will collect sediment and organism samples across Puget Sound

Everett
Everett considers ordinance to require more apprentice labor

It would require apprentices to work 15% of the total labor hours for construction or renovation on most city projects over $1 million.

Craig Skotdal makes a speech after winning on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 in Tulalip, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Craig Skotdal: Helping to breathe life into downtown Everett

Skotdal is the recipient of the John M. Fluke Sr. award from Economic Alliance Snohomish County

Paine Field Community Day returns Saturday, May 17

The youth-focused celebration will feature aircraft displays, talks with pilots and a variety of local food vendors.

Jonathon DeYonker, left, helps student Dominick Jackson upload documentary footage to Premier at The Teen Storytellers Project on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett educator provides tuition-free classes in filmmaking to local youth

The Teen Storyteller’s Project gives teens the chance to work together and create short films, tuition-free.

Kamiak High School is pictured Friday, July 8, 2022, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Mukilteo police respond to stabbing at Kamiak High School

One juvenile was taken into custody in connection with Friday’s incident. A victim was treated at a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

A Mukilteo firefighter waves out of a fire truck. (Photo provided by Mukilteo Fire Department)
Mukilteo council places EMS levy lift on November ballot

The city is seeking the funds to cover rising costs. The local firefighters union opposes the levy lift.

Everett
Federal prosecutors: Everett men looked to sell 7 kilos of fentanyl

Prosecutors alleged the two men stored fentanyl and other drugs while staying in a south Everett apartment.

Vehicles travel along Mukilteo Speedway on Sunday, April 21, 2024, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Mukilteo cameras go live to curb speeding on Speedway

Starting Friday, an automated traffic camera system will cover four blocks of Mukilteo Speedway. A 30-day warning period is in place.

Arlington head girls basketball coach Joe Marsh looks to the court as the Eagles defeat Shorecrest, 50-49, to advance to the state semifinals at the Tacoma Dome on Thursday, March 5, 2020. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Joe Marsh, Arlington High School girls basketball coach, dies at 57

Marsh, considered one of the state’s all-time great high school basketball coaches, lost a four-year battle with stage 4 prostate cancer on Wednesday.

Patricia Robles from Cazares Farms hands a bag to a patron at the Everett Farmers Market across from the Everett Station in Everett, Washington on Wednesday, June 14, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Everett Farmers Market to return Sunday for 2025 season

Every Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. until Oct. 26, vendors will line Wetmore Avenue from Hewitt Avenue to Pacific Avenue.

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.