Natasha Hill

Natasha Hill is an American politician, attorney, and civil rights advocate currently serving as a member of the Washington State House of Representatives, representing the 3rd district. A member of the Democratic Party, she took office on January 13, 2025, succeeding Marcus Riccelli. Hill's background as a community activist and her experiences in law and education have shaped her legislative priorities and approach to public service.

Early life and career

Natasha Hill was born around 1981 and grew up in the Hillyard neighborhood of Spokane, Washington, a community characterized by its low-income status. Her upbringing in Hillyard has significantly influenced her political perspectives, as she has articulated the importance of investments in social services, education, and labor for community development. Hill completed her secondary education at Rogers High School before pursuing higher education at the University of Washington, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology in 2003.

Following her undergraduate studies, Hill relocated to Southern California to attend Southwestern University School of Law in Los Angeles. She graduated from law school in 2006, during which time she gained practical experience by working with the Children's Law Center. This early involvement in legal advocacy laid the groundwork for her future career in law and public service.

After completing her legal education, Hill joined the Kaufman Law Firm, where she was recognized for her diverse perspective as an attorney. In 2015, she returned to Spokane and worked at various family law practices before establishing her own practice, Natasha L. Hill PS. In addition to her legal practice, Hill serves as an adjunct law professor at Gonzaga University, where she coaches moot court teams focused on civil and human rights.

Hill has been actively engaged in community activism, particularly as a prominent figure in the Black Lives Matter protests in Spokane in 2020. Her advocacy work includes collaboration with the Spokane Community Against Racism (SCAR), where she was involved in efforts to protect free speech and the right to peaceful protest. Additionally, she has served as the interim editor for The Black Lens, a monthly publication that addresses issues pertinent to Spokane's Black community and broader justice concerns, since November 2023. Beyond her legal and activist roles, Hill is also a licensed realtor and a member of the Spokane Realtors Association.

Legislative service

Natasha Hill's political career began to take shape when she ran for the Democratic nomination in Washington's 5th congressional district in 2022. In that election, she faced incumbent Cathy McMorris Rodgers, receiving 40.2% of the vote compared to McMorris Rodgers' 59.5%. Although she did not win the congressional seat, the campaign provided her with valuable experience and visibility within the political landscape.

In March 2024, Hill announced her candidacy for the Washington House of Representatives after Marcus Riccelli decided to pursue a seat in the state Senate. Her campaign for the 3rd district included a primary contest against Republican insurance agent Tony Kiepe and Democrat Ben Stuckart, a former Spokane city council member. During the campaign, a notable incident occurred at a June Pride event, where Hill confronted Stuckart, leading to tensions within the Spokane County Democrats. The party announced an investigation into the incident, which was postponed until after the election.

In the primary election held on August 6, 2024, Kiepe secured the top position with 35.5% of the vote, while Hill narrowly followed with 32.47%, defeating Stuckart by a margin of 270 votes. Hill's campaign focused on several key economic issues, including rent stabilization, affordable childcare, progressive taxation, and the elimination of corporate subsidies. Her platform garnered endorsements from various organizations, including the Spokane County Democrats, State Representative Timm Ormsby, the Washington State Labor Council, and the Planned Parenthood Action Fund.

In the general election on November 5, 2024, Hill successfully defeated Kiepe, receiving 58.6% of the vote compared to his 41.1%. Following her election, Hill indicated that her legislative priorities for the upcoming session would include affordable housing, childcare, healthcare access, and retirement benefits. She has also expressed support for implementing an income tax in Washington State, reflecting her commitment to addressing economic disparities.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the Washington State House of Representatives, Natasha Hill represents the 3rd district, which encompasses parts of Spokane. Her policy focus is informed by her background in law, her experiences as a community activist, and her commitment to social justice. Hill advocates for economic policies aimed at improving the quality of life for residents in her district, emphasizing the need for affordable housing and childcare solutions.

Hill's legislative agenda includes a strong emphasis on progressive taxation as a means to address economic inequality. She believes that instituting an income tax could provide essential funding for public services and social programs that benefit low- and middle-income families. Her advocacy for rent stabilization reflects her concern for housing affordability, particularly in a region where rising costs can disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.

In addition to economic issues, Hill's commitment to healthcare access and retirement benefits underscores her broader vision of social equity. She aims to ensure that all residents of her district have access to necessary healthcare services and financial security in their later years. Hill's approach to policy-making is rooted in her belief that effective governance requires listening to the needs of the community and advocating for policies that promote justice and equality.

As she continues her legislative service, Hill's background as an attorney and community advocate positions her to address the complex challenges facing her constituents. Her experiences in both legal and activist spheres contribute to her understanding of the systemic issues that impact the lives of individuals in her district, guiding her efforts to create meaningful change through public policy.