State Rep. Vandana Slatter, former Bellevue City Council member, biotechnology professional and community leader has announced her campaign to retain the 48th Legislative District seat.

Slatter was appointed in January 2017 to the State House position, representing all or parts of Redmond, Kirkland, Bellevue, Clyde Hill, Medina and the Points communities, after the previous representative, Patty Kuderer, was appointed to the State Senate.

In Olympia, Slatter serves on the Education, Health Care and Wellness and Technology and Economic Development Committees. She has worked to ensure the state is meeting its paramount duty of fully funding education. She has also introduced legislation that supports children facing the overwhelming hardships of homelessness, and to improve collection of higher education and teacher preparation data to better serve kids. A health care leader, Slatter has also worked to provide quality and comprehensive health care for everyone in our community.

“It has been an honor to serve as your State Representative, and to meet so many engaged constituents from the diverse, vibrant and innovative 48th District,” said Slatter. “I am proud of my contributions in these busy past months of the Legislative Session, but there is still much to accomplish. I look forward to continuing to advocate for health, education, and opportunity for our Washington families.”

Slatter is endorsed by Attorney General Bob Ferguson, who said, “In a short time, Vandana has proven herself to be a thoughtful and dedicated representative willing to speak up, stand up, and deliver on our shared values. We need her leadership in Olympia.”

In addition to Attorney General Bob Ferguson, Slatter is endorsed by Bellevue Firefighters, State Sen. Patty Kuderer, State Rep. Joan McBride, Lieutenant Gov. Cyrus Habib, County Executive Dow Constantine and County Council member Claudia Balducci.

As a Bellevue City Council member, Slatter worked to protect affordable housing, advance public safety capabilities and infrastructure and improve transportation services. A data-driven, solutions-oriented community leader, Slatter was appointed to the Washington State Board of Pharmacy by Gov. Christine Gregoire in 2007, served as a trustee of the Children’s Institute for Learning Differences and the Overlake Hospital Foundation and served on the NARAL Pro-Choice WA Board. Prior to her election to Bellevue City Council, she completed the first Bellevue Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training with other neighborhood leaders, and worked with organizations that build community through support of urban green spaces and social entrepreneurship.

Slatter graduated from the University of Washington with a doctorate in pharmacy and a masters of public administration. She lives with her husband and son in northeast Bellevue.