Jinyoung Lee Englund of Woodinville has announced her candidacy for the 45th Legislative District State Senate seat. She is running as a Republican.

She is running to increase school funding, improve policies for the developmentally disabled, reduce traffic congestion and balance the state budget without a new state income tax, according to a press release.

“The role of a state senator is to listen and design innovative solutions that solve real, local problems for the people we represent,” Englund said. “I am running to serve and advocate on behalf of the communities of Duvall, Kirkland, Redmond, Sammamish, Woodinville and across this district for schools, commuters, small business, families and all those affected by the decisions made in Olympia.”

The seat was left vacant when Sen. Andy Hill died from cancer last fall. Sen. Dino Rossi, who is a Republican just as his predecesor was, was appointed to serve in the current session but will not run for the remainder of Hill’s term, and he has endorsed Englund.

“I have known Jinyoung for many years. She is an independent thinker as well as an exceptional and pragmatic leader. She is also the only candidate who has pledged to protect Washingtonians from the new state income tax that is repeatedly proposed by the opposite party,” Rossi said.

King County Councilmember Kathy Lambert has also endorsed Englund.

“Jinyoung’s commitment to public service, willingness to work across the aisle and problem-solving nature are the qualities of a state senator,” Lambert said. “She will be a tremendous advocate for the citizens of this district.”

A graduate of the University of Washington, Englund is the daughter of immigrants, a second-generation military spouse and an entrepreneur.

“Our family’s story is the embodiment of the American Dream,” she said. “Our grandparents and parents survived the Korean War and in 1975, were fortunate to be able to immigrate to Washington state. While we can never repay the gift of opportunity and life we have received as Americans, we believe it is our duty to pay it forward through public service.”

Her father retired after 21 years of honorable service and her brother is active duty, both with the U.S. Army. Englund’s husband, Geoff, is an active duty Marine who has served 17 years of combined enlisted and commissioned service to date.

Englund’s passion for creating educational and economic opportunities has led her to serve with a nonprofit in southeast Africa and as a speaker, contributor and advisor on technology and innovation for startups and for commanding officers in the United States Marine Corps.

More information about Englund and her campaign can be found at jinyoungenglund.com.

Other candidates who have announced their intent to run for the seat include Manka Dhingra and Ken Smith.