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

Frank DeMiero founded and directed the Seattle Jazz Singers, a semi-professional vocal group. They are pictured here performing at the DeMiero Jazz Festival. (Photos courtesy the DeMiero family)
‘He dreamed out loud’: Remembering music educator Frank DeMiero

DeMiero founded the music department at Edmonds College and was a trailblazer for jazz choirs nationwide.

Provided photo 
Tug Buse sits in a period-correct small ship’s boat much like what could have been used by the Guatamozin in 1803 for an excursion up the Stillaguamish River.
Local historian tries to track down historic pistol

Tug Buse’s main theory traces back to a Puget Sound expedition that predated Lewis and Clark.

Archbishop Murphy High School on Friday, Feb. 28 in Everett, Washington. (Will Geschke / The Herald)
Former teacher charged with possession of child pornography

Using an online investigation tool, detectives uncovered five clips depicting sexual exploitation of minors.

A person waits in line at a pharmacy next to a sign advertising free flu shots with most insurance on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Have you had the flu yet, Snohomish County? You’re not alone.

The rate of flu-related hospitalizations is the highest it’s been in six years, county data shows, and there are no signs it will slow down soon.

City of Everett Principal Engineer Zach Brown talks about where some of the piping will connect to the Port Gardner Storage Facility, an 8-million-gallon waste water storage facility, on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Port Gardner Storage Facility will allow Everett to meet state outflow requirements

The facility will temporarily store combined sewer and wastewater during storm events, protecting the bay from untreated releases.

Founder of Snohomish County Indivisible Naomi Dietrich speaks to those gather for the senator office rally on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Membership numbers are booming for Snohomish County’s Indivisible chapter

Snohomish County’s Indivisible chapter, a progressive action group, has seen… Continue reading

Everett in the path of ‘strong to severe’ thunderstorms with hail, wind and rain possible

The National Weather Service lists a 2-4% chance of a tornado near Everett on Wednesday.

Port of Everett seeks new bids for bulkhead replacement project

The first bids to replace the aging support structure exceeded the Port of Everett’s $4.4 million budget for the project by 30%.

‘An uphill battle’: South County firefighter facing his toughest fight

Nick Jessen, 38, has stage four lung cancer, a disease disproportionately affecting his profession.

David Ngle works to attach another kite at Boxcar Park in Everett in 2020. Tuesday could see the first 67 degree day in the Everett area. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
It’s looking a lot like spring in Snohomish County — at least on Tuesday

Everett area could see nearly 70 degrees before possible thunderstorms return on Wednesday.

Logo for news use featuring the municipality of Lake Stevens in Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Man shot in leg in after confronting would-be thieves in Lake Stevens

Lake Stevens police said three suspects fled in a white vehicle, and seek public’s help with any information on the case.

Employees and patrons of the Everett Mall signed a timeline mural that traces the history of the 51-year-old indoor mall that was once considered the premier place to go shopping in the city. Thursday, March 20, 2025 (Aaron Kennedy / The Herald)
Mall mural offers nostalgic trip into the past

Past and present Everett Mall employees joined customers Thursday to view an artistic timeline of the once popular shopping mecca.

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.