Bob Hasegawa

Robert Alan Hasegawa is an American labor leader and politician currently serving as a member of the Washington State Senate, representing the 11th Legislative District. A member of the Democratic Party, Hasegawa has been in office since January 2013. He is a lifelong resident of Seattle, particularly known for his roots in the Beacon Hill neighborhood. His extensive background in labor activism, combined with his political career, has shaped his legislative priorities and community engagement.

Early life and career

Bob Hasegawa was born on September 22, 1952, in Seattle, Washington. He is the son of Japanese immigrants who faced significant challenges during World War II, as his family members were interned by the U.S. government. This background has informed his perspectives on social justice and civil rights throughout his life. Hasegawa grew up in Beacon Hill, where he continues to reside, reflecting his deep ties to the community.

He completed his secondary education at Cleveland High School in 1970. Following high school, Hasegawa pursued higher education at the University of Washington, where he studied physics. He later graduated from Antioch University Seattle, earning dual concentrations in Labor Relations and Organizational and Social Change. Additionally, he holds a Master of Public Administration from the Daniel J. Evans School of Public Policy and Governance at the University of Washington. His educational background also includes an associate degree in labor studies from Shoreline Community College and coursework in information technology at Seattle Central Community College.

In terms of professional experience, Hasegawa has worked in various roles, including as a commercial truck driver and a certified transport operator. He is a journey-level heavy construction equipment operator and possesses a Class A-Commercial Driver's License with multiple endorsements. His qualifications extend to certifications from the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Aviation Administration for operations at Seattle–Tacoma International Airport and Boeing Field.

Hasegawa's commitment to labor issues is evident in his extensive career as a labor leader. He served as the head of Teamsters Local 174, the largest Teamsters trucking local in the Pacific Northwest, for three terms. His leadership in the union was marked by his involvement in the Teamsters for a Democratic Union (TDU), a movement advocating for democratic reforms within the union. Hasegawa has also held positions on the executive board of the King County Labor Council, AFL-CIO, representing transportation trades. His activism has garnered recognition, including a proclamation of "Bob Hasegawa Day" by Seattle's mayor and King County's executive in honor of his contributions to labor activism.

Legislative service

Hasegawa began his political career by running for the Washington State House of Representatives in 2004, seeking to succeed Representative Velma Veloria. He successfully navigated a competitive primary election and won the general election with a significant majority of the vote. His tenure in the House laid the groundwork for his subsequent political aspirations.

In early 2012, Hasegawa announced his candidacy for the Washington State Senate, aiming to succeed Margarita Prentice. He won the election held on November 6, 2012, and officially took office in January 2013. His legislative service has been characterized by a focus on labor rights, social justice, and community welfare.

In 2017, Hasegawa expanded his political ambitions by running for mayor of Seattle. Although he did not advance past the primary election, his candidacy highlighted his ongoing commitment to public service and civic engagement.

Policy focus and district

As a state senator, Hasegawa has concentrated on several key policy areas that reflect the needs and concerns of his constituents in the 11th Legislative District. One of his primary focuses has been healthcare. He has consistently advocated for universal public healthcare since his initial campaign in 2004. In 2019, he introduced a legislative proposal for The Washington Health Trust, a statewide universal healthcare initiative. He continued this advocacy in 2022 by sponsoring a resolution requesting a federal-state partnership to establish a universal single-payer healthcare system.

Housing and homelessness are critical issues in Seattle, and Hasegawa has made them central to his legislative agenda. He has emphasized the need for increased housing availability, public housing investments, and renter protections. His support for legislation aimed at enhancing affordable rental housing and funding for local homeless assistance programs underscores his commitment to addressing these pressing challenges.

Hasegawa has also been vocal about Washington's tax structure, criticizing it for being regressive. During his mayoral campaign, he expressed opposition to a sweet-beverage tax implemented by the Seattle City Council. He has raised concerns about the impact of increased taxation on low-income residents, particularly in relation to the Sound Transit 3 package. In 2026, he co-sponsored legislation to introduce a "millionaire tax," marking a significant shift in the state's approach to income taxation.

Another area of focus for Hasegawa is public banking. He has repeatedly introduced legislation to establish a state bank in Washington, modeled after the Bank of North Dakota. Advocates of public banking argue that such institutions can stabilize economies, support long-term growth, and provide alternative financing options for infrastructure projects. Hasegawa's proposal for a municipal bank in Seattle reflects his broader vision for financial reform.

Hasegawa has also supported affirmative action initiatives, notably backing Initiative-1000, which aimed to re-legalize affirmative action in Washington. His legislative efforts and community involvement demonstrate a commitment to promoting equity and social justice.

Overall, Bob Hasegawa's career as a labor leader and politician is marked by a dedication to advocating for the rights of workers, addressing social issues, and serving the needs of his constituents in Washington State. His experiences and activism continue to shape his legislative priorities as he works to improve the lives of those in his district and beyond.