Patricia Kuderer, who has represented Washington’s 48th Legislative District since 2015, first as a Representative and then as its first female State Senator, has been elected Insurance Commissioner. She fills the vacancy left by the retirement of longstanding Commissioner Mike Kreidler.
Patty grew up in Minnesota. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Minnesota and received her law degree from William Mitchell College of Law. She currently lives in Bellevue. She is an experienced trial attorney with a broad legal background focusing on employment discrimination, sexual harassment in particular, and serious injury cases. As an attorney she has argued before the Minnesota Appellate and State Supreme Courts. She was first appointed to the House of Representatives in September of 2015 and won her first election to retain the seat the following year. In January 2017, Patty was again unanimously appointed by the King County Council to fill the vacant Senate seat in the 48th Legislative District. While serving in the Senate, was selected by her colleagues to chair the Senate Housing Committee. In addition to her role as chair, Kuderer has served in the Senate as a member of the Law & Justice, State Government & Elections, and Rules committees. Throughout her professional career she has worked to ensure that everyone in the State of Washington has access to affordable, quality healthcare. As a State Senator, Patty has been a vocal advocate for issues such as gun safety, voting rights, and women’s health.