Chris Reykdal

Christopher Paul Simon Reykdal is a former member of the Washington State House of Representatives, representing the 22nd legislative district as a member of the Democratic Party. His tenure in the legislature spanned from 2011 to 2017, during which he focused on various educational and fiscal issues. Following his legislative service, Reykdal was elected as the 15th Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction, a position he has held since 2017.

Early life and career

Chris Reykdal was born on September 12, 1972, in Snohomish, Washington. His early involvement in leadership roles began during his high school years at Snohomish High School, where he was elected student body president in 1989. This early experience likely influenced his later pursuits in public service and education.

Reykdal pursued higher education at Washington State University, where he graduated in 1994 with a degree in social studies, complemented by minors in political science and geology. He also obtained a secondary teaching certificate during his time at the university, graduating summa cum laude and earning membership in the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society, which recognizes academic excellence in the liberal arts and sciences.

After completing his undergraduate studies, Reykdal began his professional career as a teacher, instructing American and world history at Mark Morris High School in Longview, Washington, from 1994 to 1997. His teaching career was followed by further academic advancement; he attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned a Master of Public Administration (MPA). This degree equipped him with the skills necessary for a career in public service and policy-making.

Reykdal's career in public service began in earnest when he took on the role of fiscal analyst for the Washington State Senate, specifically working on the Senate Transportation Committee. His expertise in budgetary matters led to his appointment as the operating budget director for the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges in 1999. In 2002, he advanced to the position of deputy director for administration within the same board. By 2005, Reykdal had further expanded his responsibilities when the Finance Division and the Administration Division merged, resulting in his role as deputy executive director for administration and finance.

In December 2009, Reykdal announced his candidacy for the Washington House of Representatives, marking the beginning of his political career. He emerged as the leading Democratic candidate in the August primary and subsequently faced Jason Hearn, a member of the Lacey City Council, in the general election. Reykdal won the election with a significant majority, securing 61% of the vote.

Legislative service

Reykdal served in the Washington State House of Representatives from 2011 until 2017, representing the 22nd legislative district. His legislative career included three terms, during which he focused on various issues, particularly in the realm of education and fiscal policy. In 2012, he ran unopposed for a second term, reflecting his strong support within his district.

One notable moment during Reykdal's legislative service occurred in the fall of 2013, when Governor Jay Inslee called a special session of the legislature to discuss an $8.7 billion tax incentive package for Boeing. The session lasted for 72 hours, and the incentives were overwhelmingly approved by both the House and Senate. However, Reykdal was one of only 13 legislators to vote against the package, expressing concerns that it jeopardized funding for schools, higher education, and other essential services without ensuring job growth from Boeing.

In November 2014, Reykdal successfully defeated Republican candidate Steve Owens in his bid for a third term, receiving 64% of the vote. During this term, he championed legislation aimed at providing financial assistance to low-income students enrolled in college-level courses while still in high school. He also took a leadership role in advocating for student data privacy, reflecting his commitment to educational issues.

In July 2015, Reykdal announced his candidacy for the position of Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction, a role that would allow him to influence educational policy on a broader scale. He won the election in November 2016 against Erin Jones, taking office in January 2017.

Policy focus and district

Throughout his time in the Washington State House of Representatives, Reykdal's policy focus was primarily centered on education, fiscal responsibility, and student welfare. His background as an educator informed his legislative priorities, particularly in advocating for measures that supported low-income students and protected student privacy.

Reykdal's district, the 22nd legislative district, encompasses parts of Thurston County, including the city of Tumwater, where he resides. The district is characterized by a diverse population and a range of educational institutions, making Reykdal's focus on education particularly relevant to his constituents. His efforts to secure funding for educational programs and initiatives were aimed at addressing the needs of students and families within the district.

In addition to his legislative work, Reykdal's role as the Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction has allowed him to continue advocating for educational reforms and policies that benefit students across the state. His experience in the legislature has provided him with a unique perspective on the intersection of education and public policy, further shaping his approach to leadership in the educational sector.

Reykdal's personal life includes his residence in Tumwater with his wife and two children. His wife, Kim, is a school guidance counselor and serves on the Tumwater School Board, highlighting a shared commitment to education within the family. Kim was recognized as a finalist for a national award in 2016, underscoring the family's dedication to supporting educational initiatives.

In summary, Chris Reykdal's career has been marked by a strong focus on education and public service, both as a legislator and as the Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction. His experiences in teaching, fiscal analysis, and legislative advocacy have shaped his approach to policy-making, reflecting a commitment to improving educational outcomes for students in Washington State.