About Claudia

Growing up, Claudia Kauffman learned early on that community is not just where you live, it is who you speak up for. As a working mother and a longtime South King County resident, Claudia has spent her life dismantling barriers and ensuring that every family has a fair shot at success.

Today, she brings that same fierce, community-first advocacy to the Washington State Senate.

A Proven Leader for Working Families

As the Chair of the Business, Trade and Economic Development Committee, Claudia is a leading voice for a stronger, fairer economy. She knows that a thriving state starts with a good job, which is why she has consistently championed family-wage careers, fought to lower everyday costs, and worked to fix a tax code that puts too much pressure on workers and local neighborhoods. Whether it is expanding worker protections or cutting red tape to bring new opportunities to our district, Claudia focuses on one simple goal, which is putting more money back into the pockets of the people who earn it.

Deep Roots in South King County

Claudia’s commitment to public service runs deep. Before serving in her current role in the Senate, she made history as the first Native American woman elected to the upper chamber, serving from 2007 to 2011, before being re-elected in 2022. Her dedication to education and local youth includes serving as the former Chair of Green River College in Auburn and parenting as a foster mother to ten children. Her professional background includes decades of working as an Intergovernmental Affairs Liaison for the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe and serving as a dedicated advocate for children and families in the foster care and healthcare systems.

Claudia’s legislative work is informed by these real-life experiences. She knows what it is like to manage a budget, raise a family, and wonder if the next generation will be able to afford a home in the community they love. That is why she has been a champion for increasing affordable housing, strengthening renter protections, and securing vital funding for local schools and mental health support.

Keeping Washington Fair and Inclusive

In the Senate, Claudia serves as a vital shield for our state’s most vulnerable. She acts as the caucus leadership liaison to Tribal Nations and is a member of the Ways and Means Committee. For Claudia, public service is about accountability, accessibility, and ensuring that the diverse voices of the 47th District, from Kent to Auburn to Covington, are actively driving the conversation in Olympia.

Claudia lives in South King County, where she remains an active volunteer at local food banks and youth mentorship programs. She is running for re-election to keep delivering real, measurable results for our community because a better, more affordable Washington is something worth fighting for.