State Rep. Cyrus Habib has been chosen by Governing.com as one of “12 State Legislators to watch in 2014.”

“I’m both honored and humbled to be part of Governing.com’s list of legislators to watch,” said Habib, who represents Kirkland from the 48th Legislative District. “I look forward to continuing my work this year helping to make Washington the best state in the nation for businesses, workers and families.”

Citing his outstanding educational credentials and his unique heritage, the Vice-Chair of the Technology and Economic Development Committee was listed as a legislator to watch to for the upcoming year in a list that includes six Democrats and six Republicans.

Habib is believed to be only state legislator in the country with an Iranian-American background.

Habib grew up in Bellevue and attended Bellevue public schools. At age 8, he lost his eyesight to cancer, but he went on to college at Columbia, to Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, and to Yale Law School where he was editor of the law review. In addition to his seat in the Legislature, Habib practices law at Perkins Coie and teaches upper level courses as Distinguished Lawmaker in Residence at Seattle University School of Law.