Lisa Parshley is an American politician, veterinary oncologist, and small business owner who is the member-elect of the Washington House of Representatives representing the state's 22nd district, Position 2. A member of the Democratic Party, Parshley will take office on January 13, 2025, succeeding Jessica Bateman who ran for the Washington State Senate. She currently serves as a member of the Olympia City Council, representing Position 5 since 2018.[1]

Lisa Parshley
Member of the Washington House of Representatives
from the 22nd (Position 2) district
Assumed office
January 13, 2025
Preceded byJessica Bateman
Personal details
Born
Lisa Parshley
Political partyDemocratic
EducationOregon Health & Science University (PhD in Biochemistry)
University of Washington (Post-doctoral studies)
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (2003)
OccupationVeterinary oncologist, small business owner, city councilmember

Education and early career

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Parshley earned her Ph.D. in biochemistry from Oregon Health & Science University and completed post-doctoral studies at the University of Washington. She became a certified Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2003 and achieved board certification as a veterinary oncologist in 2008.[2]

Career

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Professional career

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Parshley works as a veterinary oncologist and owns a small business. She has applied her perspective as a veterinarian, scientist, and business owner to her work in public service.[2]

Public Service

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Parshley has served on the Olympia City Council representing Position 5 since January 1, 2018, where she serves as chair of the Finance Committee. Her other appointments include positions on:[2]

  • Communications Board
  • Deschutes Stewardship Coalition
  • Joint Animal Services
  • LOTT Board of Directors
  • Thurston Climate Mitigation and Sea Level Rise Governance Committee
  • Thurston County Human Rights Commission[3]

During her tenure on the city council, she worked to extend Olympia's sanctuary city status to include reproductive rights and health care, making it the first city in Washington to do so. She was also involved in efforts to create a regional fire authority to serve Olympia and Tumwater, and worked with local leaders to pass three key initiatives:

  • The Home Fund for housing
  • Inspire Olympia for arts and culture
  • A Public Safety initiative[2]

Washington House of Representatives

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2024 election

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Parshley won election to the Washington House of Representatives in 2024, running for the open seat left by Jessica Bateman who ran for the State Senate. In the August 6 primary election, she received 63.0% of the vote, advancing to the general election alongside Syd Locke. She went on to win the general election on November 5, defeating Locke with 64.3% of the vote to Locke's 32.8%.[1]

She received endorsements from several local leaders including:

  • Jessica Bateman, incumbent State Representative
  • Laurie Dolan, former State Representative
  • Dontae Payne, Olympia Mayor
  • Debbie Sullivan, Tumwater Mayor[2]

Campaign finance

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During the 2024 election cycle (January 1, 2023 - October 15, 2024), Parshley's campaign raised $75,001 from 289 unique contributors and spent $77,085. Major contributors included the Justice for All PAC, SEIU Healthcare 1199 NW, and the Washington State Veterinary Medical Association, each contributing $2,400.[1]

Political positions

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Housing and homelessness
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Parshley has made addressing homelessness and expanding affordable housing options key priorities of her legislative agenda.[3]

Healthcare
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Parshley supports protecting abortion access and has worked to extend healthcare protections through local policy initiatives.[3]

Environment
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She has been involved in climate policy through her work on the Thurston County Climate Mitigation Steering Committee and the Olympic Region Clean Air Agency.[3]

Social issues
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Parshley has emphasized addressing the opioid crisis and combating racism as major priorities. Her work on the Thurston County Human Rights Commission demonstrates her commitment to civil rights issues.[3]

Economic development
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She supports improving workforce development programs in Washington state.[3]

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Lisa Parshley". Ballotpedia. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
  2. ^ a b c d e Ty Vinson (February 23, 2024). "Olympia City Council member announces run for Bateman's House seat". The Olympian. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
  3. ^ a b c d e f "Lisa Parshley - 2024 General Election". Progressive Voter's Guide. Retrieved 2024-11-20.