Diversity is key for Everett state rep candidates

EVERETT — Two disability advocates are facing a former homeless outreach coordinator to represent the 38th Legislative District in Olympia.

Democrats Bryce Nickel and Annie Fitzgerald are challenging incumbent Rep. Julio Cortes, D-Everett. In 2022, Cortes won the house seat with 58.5% of the vote against Republican Gary Kemp.

Cortes represents the district — encompassing Everett, Marysville and Tulalip — alongside fellow Democrats Rep. Mary Fosse and Sen. June Robinson. In office, he’s introduced and helped pass bills to curb youth homelessness, better regulate the juvenile justice system and diversify the pool of law enforcement and prosecutor recruits statewide.

Meanwhile, Nickel and Fitzgerald say it’s time to see people with disabilities represented in the Legislature. Nickel, who has autism, and Fitzgerald, who was born blind and with multiple genetic disorders, want to make public and social services more accessible.

https://www.heraldnet.com/news/diversity-is-key-for-everett-state-rep-candidates/