What They're Saying
Pete Kmet – Mayor, City of Tumwater
“Chris is dedicated to public service and will work hard for his constituents. His work on the Tumwater Planning Commission and the Tumwater School Board, while holding a full time state job, is proof he’s willing to put in the long hours to make sure our interests will be represented. Chris comprehends issues quickly and shares my vision for a stronger community. He will be a representative that makes us proud to have supported him.”
Tom Nelson – Mayor, City of Lacey
“Chris is the right person for the job because he’s built a track record of local service; from his experience on a local planning commission, to serving on a school board; Chris is fully aware of the needs of local government and how the State can play a role in helping our cities, our county, and our school districts.”
Ralph Osgood – Immediate Past Mayor of Tumwater
“Chris is a patient listener who is deeply committed to the well being of our community, from city and county services to our public schools. He has a tremendous grasp of our local issues and he brings a much needed professional background in public sector budgeting. He has a great work ethic and with a young family he has a lot at stake in ensuring that our larger community is safe, healthy, and full of opportunities.”
Randy Dorn - State Superintendant of Public Instruction
"I'm proud to stand with numerous local education leaders in my endorsement of Chris Reykdal. From local school board members, to local labor leaders, to the strongest education advocates in the Legislature, Chris has strong support among those on the front lines of the battle to enhance public schools in our state. Chris is tenacious, hard working and sharp - his background coupled with his willingness to stand up and make the toughest of choices for all of our kids will make him one of our state's finest legislators."
Frank Wilson – President, Olympia School Board
“I have endorsed Chris because he truly understands the power of public education in changing lives. He will work hard for better school funding, and our community will be well served with him in the Legislature.”
Jay Wood – President, Tumwater School Board
"Chris brings a very different set of ears and eyes to public policy. As a father of two young children, he's knows what's at stake when we talk about fully funding basic education. Chris' years of experience working in education and with the legislature gives him a keen understanding of education and of the legislative process and I know he will make the choices necessary to improve our schools and our community."
Rita Luce – Tumwater School Board
“It has been a pleasure to serve with Chris on the Tumwater School Board. He has a fresh and complete grasp of the complex issues facing education, supports the importance of student learning, understands the immense power of technology, and has a tremendous sense of humor. He will be a great representative and advocate for education.”
Terry Van Meter – Tumwater Education Association President
"As a school board member, Chris has been a staunch advocate for classroom teachers and for the success of kids. We need more education champions in the legislature and Chris will quickly be recognized as a go-to person on education issues. He will be a great voice for those of us in the classroom; it's where he started his professional career."
Dan Kimball - Thurston County Sheriff
"Chris knows the challenges that all law enforcement agencies are facing in this difficult budget environment. Chris cares deeply about public safety and ensuring that our deputies, officers and troopers are adequately equipped for their own safety and the safety of the public they are committed to protect."
Kim Howard – Tumwater Parent and Child Advocate
“An education champion who thinks about what’s best for our kids and supports parents as advocates for their own children.”
Debbie Sullivan - Chair, Tumwater Planning Commission
"Chris and I worked together on the Tumwater Planning Commission and we dealt with some very difficult planning issues for the city. Chris works hard at finding solutions that meet the mutual interests of competing groups. No matter how difficult the issue, Chris works in a respectful manner with city staff, other commissioners and citizens. His rational approach to problem solving is desperately what our politics need right now."
Kim Tanaka – Executive Analyst for Boards & Commissions, Governor Gregoire
“Chris has helped educate and develop hundreds of college trustees. With a knack for policy and budget development, Chris communicates effectively and truly brings people into an issue so that they are engaged and energized. He will be a great representative in our district.”
Rich Nafziger – Former Chief Clerk of the House and Former Olympia School Board Member
“One of the great champions for K-12 and higher education in our community. Chris knows the legislative process from hands-on experience. I’ve watched him build relationships and coalitions that get results!”
Jim Kainber – Former Executive Director of the Washington State Democratic Party
"Chris is a great choice to be our next State Representative. Both he and his wife, Kim, have dedicated themselves to public service with their work in education. And I know Chris has a strong background in supporting the most vulnerable in our state. He is a patient listener and has keen understanding of the issues that matter to us in the 22nd District."
Karen Bowen – Former State Committee Woman, Thurston County Democrats
“I have taken the time to listen to all of the candidates for the open House seat in our district. It is clear to me that Chris is the outstanding choice to be our next Representative. Chris speaks with conviction and passion from the heart. He has great experience in the legislative environment, and our community will be so well served by his leadership in the House. Please join me in supporting Chris.”
Jackie Barrett Sharar – Former Chair, Thurston County Democrats
“Chris is the right leader in the 22nd Legislative District to succeed Rep. Brendan Williams. I am excited about Chris because he has already demonstrated the greatest qualities of a leader and he will hit the ground running. Chris possesses the integrity, vision, toughness and background needed to represent the voters and diverse interests of the 22nd. He is the leader our future calls for.”
Mike Ryherd – Olympia Resident and Retired Lobbyist for the Teamsters and the City of Olympia.
“Chris knows how complex the legislature can be. I believe that he is the most qualified candidate to balance all the diverse interests of our area, while making those difficult decisions on how to fund and deliver quality education, a vibrant economy and a sustainable ecosystem.”
Larry Brown – International Association of Machinists
“From his childhood, Chris has understood struggle. He clearly draws strength from those experiences and he will work tirelessly for working families so that the doors of opportunity remain open to them. The 22nd district and those of us in the labor community need Chris in the House fighting for us.”
Jim Bricker – Chairman, State Board for Community and Technical Colleges and Former Special Assistant to Booth Gardner for National Affairs
“Navigating successfully in the legislature requires very specific talents; the ability to listen, and the ability to work within the legislative process toward consensus. Chris has worked in and around that environment for over a decade with remarkable skill. He will make an outstanding legislator and the 22nd district will be better for having put him there.”
Beth Willis – Former Director, World Trade Center, Tacoma
“I have been rooting for Chris to run for a House seat for years. He is passionate, deliberative, and broad in his policy vision. Chris is a gifted communicator whose ability to explain complex policy matters is matched only by his sincere ability to listen. His budget background is desperately needed in the House.”
Lyle Quasim – Former Secretary, Department of Social and Health Services
“Chris is simply one of the most gifted communicators I have ever worked with. He is passionate about public service; he comprehends complex policy issues; and then he explains them in a way that everyone in the room can understand. He will be an outstanding legislator who will provide great service for the people of the 22nd district.”
Debbie Lisser – Chair of the Trustees Association of Community and Technical Colleges
“A leader in higher education with an unbelievable grasp of the complex issues; from tuition policy to funding for capital facilities, Chris knows how to move legislation and get results for students and communities.”
Kathy Goebel – Tumwater Planning Commissioner
“I have known Chris from our work in the community and technical college system and as a colleague on the Planning Commission. Chris truly understands the need for the legislature to establish clear guidelines and adequate funding, but he also knows that local jurisdictions should be allowed to create solutions that meet their unique needs. Lacey, Olympia, and Tumwater have distinct qualities that Chris will respect and honor as he forms policy solutions. Chris will work very hard to serve all of us!”
Earl Hale – Former Executive Director, State Board for Community and Technical Colleges
“Chris has a tremendous mind for policy and budget and he cares deeply about education, the environment, and ultimately about sustainable job creation. He knows how to build grassroots support for issues and he gets those issues over the finish line.”
Ricardo Sánchez – Founder/Chairman, Latino/a Educational Achievement Project
“Chris has distinguished himself while working at the State Board for Community and Technical College. He understands the importance of educating all students in our state and, as a state legislator, I fully expect him to emerge as a champion for taking aim at and eliminating the achievement gap. Perhaps the most important quality he would bring to the legislature is an open mind and a willingness to listen, learn, and then put forward proposals that will help all children be successful in school and in life.”
Tony Lee – Solid Ground
“Chris has worked so hard at bringing educational opportunities to low-income families. He truly understands the power of education to lift people out of poverty. A child of poverty himself, Chris found his way out through education, hard work, and because of advocates who looked after him. Chris will be a strong voice and incredible advocate for the 22nd District.”
Jeff Gombosky – Former Legislator, Gombosky Public Affairs
“Chris truly gets the complexity of legislative budgeting and how to move issues through the process and on to final passage. He will produce results for our district!”